August 2, 2008 Midnight deadline looms for Verizon strike

(NECN) - A candlelight vigil will be held on Saturday night for members of IBEW and CWA over Verizon managements refusal to negotiate a contract that recognizes the contributions of telecom workers to its $5.5 billon in profits.

"Our parents and grandparents sacrificed to make this a company with good jobs and benefits," said Ed Fitzpatrick, President of IBEW Local 2222. "We won't turn our backs on them now. At midnight, either the picket lines go up or the company comes to their senses. We will stand united for as long as it takes!"

At 12:01 AM, union members working at the Verizon headquarters building will leave work to officially start the strike.

More than 9,000 Verizon workers in Massachusetts and Rhode Island are united in the IBEW and CWA. About 65,000 Verizon workers from Massachusetts to Virginia are members of the two unions.