Beginning on May 21, 2025, Verizon and the respective unions have agreed to meet for three weeks in an attempt to negotiate the terms of a possible extension, well in advance of when the current agreements expire.

We will update you on the outcome of this process.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment. 

DISTRICT 1 TOWNHALL CALL

Please hold the date for a districtwide townhall call

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27th AT 7:00 PM

SIGN UP HERE

The 2025 Annual Open Enrollment Dates are as follows:

October 8, 2024 to October 17, 2024 – (these dates are for Active employees and Retirees)

This is your opportunity to review your benefits and make any changes to your benefits.

Retirees are urged to make any changes during the annual enrollment period; however they continue to have “Anytime Enrollment”. When a retiree makes a change outside of the Annual Enrollment period, the change is effective the first of the month following a 30 day period. An exception to the “Anytime Enrollment” for retirees is for those retirees with a NCSD after August 2, 2008 who chose to enroll in the HRA option. Those retirees must remain in the HRA option for the 2025 plan year unless they have a qualifying life event.

Most 2024 elections and designations automatically carry over into 2025 Annual Enrollment. Members who want to stay with their current elections for medical, dental, vision and AD&D life insurance plan without any changes don’t need to do anything.

If you have a Qualifying Life Event between open enrollment and the end of the year, you will need to make changes on BenefitsConnections for both 2024 and 2025. Examples of a Qualifying Life Event are adding a spouse if you get married, adding a child when there is a birth of a new baby etc.

Annual Enrollment Guides are in the mail to employees and retirees now.

ACTIVIST ALERT

As you may be aware, a recent Wall Street Journal investigation found that aging lead-clad telephone cables could pose a potential health hazard.  Toxic lead is a serious health hazard, especially for children and workers who may come into close contact with telecom wires and cables. Lead poisoning can occur through inhalation of lead dust or through direct skin contact, making those who handle or come near these cables particularly vulnerable.  

Lead exposure in adults can have a range of symptoms, but it is important to note that some individuals may not exhibit obvious symptoms even if they have elevated levels of lead in their bodies. The symptoms can vary based on the level and duration of exposure.   

It is essential to recognize that lead poisoning can have long-term effects, even if the symptoms are not immediately apparent. Prolonged exposure to elevated levels of lead can result in serious health issues. Blood tests can help determine lead levels, and early intervention can prevent further health complications.  

Past and present CWA members exposed to toxic lead due to their work assignments may be entitled to Workers’ Compensation benefits and have a separate cause of action against the parties responsible for the lead exposure.  

FOA has represented CWA members for over 50 years, and we are uniquely qualified to review each member's personal situation and advise them on their legal rights. Not everyone will have a claim, but we will provide the proper information and guidance to people who contact us. We have created a separate web page, information sheet and phone number to address this critical issue.  Click here for more information: https://www.foalaw.com/practice-areas/personal-injury/toxic-lead-in-telecom-wires-and-cables/or call our dedicated toll-free number 1-888-533-3655 to learn more.   I have attached the information sheet to this email so your members can be educated on the harmful effects of lead poisoning.  Kindly print and hang in your locals and garages.