CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Communication Workers of America took to the streets of downtown Charleston Wednesday afternoon to raise awareness about their ongoing contract negotiations with Frontier Communications.
The union’s current contract ran out on Aug. 2, 2013. Both sides have agreed on more than a half dozen extensions over the last 12 months. However, with the latest extension set to run out on Saturday, CWA members said they’re tired of waiting. They want a new contract, something they said was promised by the company when it bought out Verizon back in 2010.
“(Frontier) made promises and commitments to former Verizon workers, the PSC and the people of West Virginia. We want them to keep their promises,” said CWA Local 2001 President Kenneth Williams.
Several dozen Frontier workers and CWA members stood outside the Embassy Suites on Lee Street in Charleston during their lunch break holding signs and waving for drivers to honk their horns in support. Williams said after nearly a year of being patient, union members want a new contract with fair wages and health care.
“Their livelihood is in limbo until we get some kind of agreement,” stressed Williams.
During past talks, health care was one of the sticking point. Williams said there’s more than just one issue holding both sides back.
In a response to MetroNews, Frontier spokesperson Dan Page said, “We are continuing to bargain at the table and are hopeful to get an agreement in the near future.”
The CWA represents 1,500 Frontier workers across West Virginia.