WDBJ7 Roanoke News and Weather NRV Lynchburg Danville | Many Verizon workers want to put deregulation plans on hold
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Union workers outside Verizon's Roanoke maintenance centerSome Verizon workers want Virginia to put Verizon's deregulation plans on hold.
Members of the Communications Workers of America organized a picket line this morning at Verizon's maintenance center in Roanoke. The president of Verizon Virginia was there talking with workers about the company's plans.
Protesters say deregulation will mean higher prices and fewer union jobs. Verizon says it's at a competitive disadvantage because it's the only communication company of its kind that's still regulated in Virginia.
But union officials disagree.
"Our biggest concern is that if they deregulate there will be no watchdog over service in Virginia," says Chuck Simpson, Roanoke Vice-President of CWA.
Verizon says the union's contract expires in August of next year. The protests are a way of rallying members for the bargaining process.
