Unionizing retail workers are standing up to Verizon in Washington state.
Workers say they’re facing pay cuts, understaffing, and unfair scheduling practices. Verizon made over $4.5 billion in profit last quarter. The company siphons 40% of workers’ commissions and is offering workers yearly raises that don’t even match cost of living increases.
“I’ve made less money every year for nine years in a row. I mean this year, our raises were essentially pay cuts. They were almost meaningless compared to the cost of living increases,” says organizer Austin Hitch.
Now workers are unionizing with the Communication Workers of America to have a say in their pay and working conditions. They’re calling on Verizon retail workers across the country to join in their movement.