From: DOL Public Affairs

Sent: Sunday, May 15, 2016 6:27 PM

Subject: Statement of US Labor Secretary Thomas E. Perez on the ongoing labor dispute involving
Verizon workers

News Statement
U.S. Department of Labor | May 15, 2016

Statement of US Labor Secretary Thomas E. Perez

on the ongoing labor dispute involving Verizon workers
WASHINGTON The U.S. Department of Labor today issued the following statement on the
ongoing labor dispute involving Verizon workers.
A few days ago, U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez reached out to the parties in the
ongoing labor dispute involving Verizon workers and invited them to meet with him in
Washington in an effort to help the parties resolve a dispute that is affecting thousands of
workers, their families, and the company.
Today, Secretary Perez met at the U.S. Labor Department with Lowell McAdam, chairman and
CEO of Verizon; Chris Shelton, president of the Communications Workers of America; and
Lonnie Stephenson, president of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. The parties
had an open, frank and constructive dialogue about finding a comprehensive way forward to
resolve disputed issues and get people back to work. The parties agreed to return to the
bargaining table on Tuesday to continue their discussion.
The best way to resolve this labor dispute is at the bargaining table, and I am heartened by the
parties mutual commitment to get back to immediate discussions and work toward a new
contract, said Secretary Perez. I was singularly impressed by the parties appreciation that time
is of the essence, and their strong commitment to use the collective bargaining process to reach a
mutually beneficial resolution.
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Media Contact:
Mattie Munoz Zazueta, 202-615-8259, zazueta.matilde.m@dol.gov
Release Number: 16-1005-NAT