(Image Source: Bloomberg)

BY ADNAN S. KHAN

You're watching multisource tech news analysis from Newsy.

The largest strike in recent history -- has ended.
The walk-out, led by the Communications Workers of America – CWA – and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers – IBEW- started over union contract issues with Verizon. KSNV has the details.

“The main issue and dispute involves pension and insurance premiums. Verizon wants to freeze pensions and have employees contribute to health insurance premiums. The union says the company afford to maintain the full range of benefits.”

So what did the union get out of the strike? – Well – not much, expect for a promise to talk about the issues. CWA released a statement saying...

“We have reached agreement with Verizon on how bargaining will proceed and how it will be restructured. The major issues remain to be discussed, but overall, issues now are focused and narrowed.”

A writer for The Nation says – this does not bode well for the union and the employees.

“So workers will return to their jobs on Tuesday without having won anything concrete from the company. If anything, in addition to two week’s pay, workers have lost considerable leverage as union leaders freed the telecom giant from the pressure of a massive work stoppage...”

But a local union leader is more optimistic about the outcome-- and tells WIVB, at least Verizon is now willing to talk-- unlike before.

“Contract negotiations is give and take. It’s compromise. It is the sharing and exchange of proposals. Its listening to the other concerns and issues that the other side has. And today there is an indication that Verizon is listening.”

For now Verizon is letting workers return under the old contract until all negotiations are resolved. Union leaders say if Verizon refuses to negotiate a sensible contract, they will have no problems starting up the picket lines once again.
 

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Transcript by Newsy