The company has decided to release the first quarter surplus numbers in a highly unorthodox manner.  They have forgotten to include and information on dates, times, or EIPP offers.  They have notified us of titles and locations, but they have yet to meet with the union to discuss the possibility of enhancements.  The T-6 council feels that the numbers we have been given are preliminary and subject to change.  The union is waiting for a proposal from the company on ways to reduce this surplus.  When and if that happens, we will engage in bargaining and come up with an agreement that will benefit the entire membership. 

    The surplus number in New England is 2055 with 283 in Local 2325.  If an agreement is reached we would demand that all titles are given the same chance at the enhanced offer.  This ridiculous ploy to release bogus surplus numbers without dates or a process is a perfect example of the company's lack of vision.  These numbers do not reflect work or a lack of work.  They simply have people placed in columns and rows sorted on an Excel spreadsheet which can be shuffled around like a deck of cards.  As far as we are concerned, these numbers are subject to change and they will indeed change.  If Verizon finally figures out what it is doing, the union will be ready to discuss.  When we have real information on real numbers we will notify the membership.