The Buffalo News, August 14, 2011, Sunday

The Buffalo News

August 14, 2011, Sunday

The Buffalo News (full article)

Striking Verizon workers vow to put up a tough fight
Company seeks to cut landline losses

By Samantha Maziarz Christmann

“These are all parts of what’s emboldening Verizon to take a strong position,” said Lee Adler, a labor lawyer and Cornell professor who has done education work with the Communications Workers of America. “If they’re successful, other companies might try the same thing.”

With more and more customers dropping their home telephone service in favor of cell phones, Verizon said cutbacks in its landline division are unavoidable. Unlike other sales dips, Verizon’s wireline losses are expected to be permanent as landlines move toward obsolescence.

schristmann@buffnews.com