Fighting Back Against Verizon's Sneak Attack on Virginia

Virginia's communications consumers are at risk of losing one of their most important protections. The Communications Workers of America are standing up to try and stop this corporate attack on consumer rights.

We reported a few weeks ago about SB1143, a dangerous bill moving through the Virginia legislature. Thanks to intense lobbying from Verizon, the legislature approved a bill that would revoke the State Corporation Commission's ability to scrutinize mergers in the telephone industry. The SCC's traditional role is to examine the sale or transfer of telephone companies, and ensure that the transaction is in the public interest, for customers and employees alike. The recently-passed bill would eliminate that oversight, leaving companies like Verizon less accountable to Virginians.

This week, Gov. Tim Kaine vetoed the bill, setting up another legislative battle. The CWA is actively organizing members and supporters to help sustain the veto. Chris Lane, president of Local 2201, praised the efforts of the bill’s opponents, who encouraged Kaine’s veto and raised awareness about the bill in communities across the state. Said Lane:

"We're not taking any chances and will be working hard through next week, but our success so far in stopping this sneak attack by Verizon is all that workers here are talking about."

Government oversight is essential to ensuring that the vital telecommunications industry is responsive, fair, and serving the needs of Virginia’s citizens. Verizon and its allies tried to sneak this bill through, but Gov. Kaine deserves credit for standing up against it. As Gov. Kaine noted:

"Access to telephone service continues to be vital for residents across the Commonwealth, and it is imperative that we act reasonably to ensure that this access is not diminished."

Here’s CWA’S radio ad on this important issue.

If you live in Virginia, contact your state legislators, and tell them they need to stand with Virginia's consumers and workers, not with lobbyists. Virginia needs them to uphold Gov. Kaine's veto.

CWA: Fighting Back Against Verizon's Sneak Attack

SpeedMatters: Verizon's Virginia Sneak Attack

CWA’S Radio Ad