Verizon workers in 9 states go on strike

Verizon workers in nine states have voted to go on strike, if necessary, in a dispute about a new contract.

The strike is over a dispute about a new contract.

The contract, which expires August 1 covers 39,000 workers from Verizon’s Wireline Business which provides fixed-line phone service and FIOS internet service.

The union says Verizon is demanding workers sharply increase health care contributions and make concessions on pensions.

The company has been training non-union employees to take on additional roles to ensure no disruption to customers during the strike.