Not having a union among telecommunications workers can create certain disadvantages, such as lower wages and less job security, said Toal Hart, Gartner Group senior analyst for communications. Ever since the merger, they have been trying to reduce the presence of the union. I'm sure they'd rather have non-union workers than union. It is difficult to represent everyone's issues and views. Rasmussen agreed, saying unions were initially formed in the face of harsh work conditions and poor labor markets.
Jobs today offer decent salaries, stock options, etc.
Still, experts disagree on unions' place in the telecommunications sector and on what impact the Verizon strike might have. Hart pointed out that communications unions are stronger in the Northeast than in some other parts of the country. But he does not envision a trend of communication workers rushing to join unions. Meanwhile, negotiations continued late Monday as striking Verizon workers demanded the company make concessions on contract issues including job security, forced overtime, and work transfers. Verizon is the largest U.S. local telephone company and serves some 27 million customers.