Verizon workers in Dover say they have no plans of ending their strike as it enters a second week.
The employees -who are also members of the Communication Workers of America union- have been picketing in front of the Verizon store on Route 13 since last Wednesday.
They’re protesting the company’s outsourcing of jobs and the possible closure of three call centers in Delaware.
Patrice Mears-Swift is the executive vice president of CWA Local 13-100 in Delaware. She’s worked for Verizon for 18 years.
“It’s definitely a good job. And we’re not asking for more money. That’s not what this strike is about. We’re looking to maintain what we have and to grow more good jobs. We want more jobs to come into our local communities as opposed to being sent overseas. Good jobs. That’s why we’re here,” she said.
Mears-Swift says workers are prepared to picket until their demands are met, despite not being paid while they are on strike. Although CWA may supplement some portion of workers' lost wages.
The CWA represents between 500 and 600 Verizon workers in Delaware who work in the company’s call centers, repair centers and dispatch centers. It also includes installation and repair technicians.
The CWA is picketing Verizon stores, call centers and central offices around Delaware.
In total, 39,000 Verizon workers are on strike along the East Coast from Virginia to Massachusetts.
Verizon did not respond to an interview request.