Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
Long Beach telephone workers protest job losses
Members of the Communication Workers of America union demonstrate outside of the Verizon building in Long Beach.
(
Adolfo Guzman-Lopez/KPCC
)
Members of the Communications Workers of America staged a protest rally outside a Verizon call center in Long Beach.
(
Adolfo Guzman-Lopez
)
Listen
0:58
Long Beach telephone workers protest job losses
Long Beach telephone workers protest job losses
Some Southland telephone workers who answer and help maintain emergency and information call services will join the ranks of the unemployed this month. The labor union that represents them staged a large protest rally today outside their building in Long Beach.
Labor leaders say Verizon informed dozens of Long Beach workers a couple of months ago that they’d be laid off, and others that their jobs would be moving to Midwestern and Eastern states.
Sally Weger was one of those employees. She’s worked three decades for Verizon. Next Friday will be her last day on the job.
"For 2½ weeks I was in a state of shock and depression. And I’m getting better now with the support of my fellow union people. And the women in my office we all are kind of leaning on each other to help each other out because none of us have looked for a job for 30-31 years."
Labor leaders and Long Beach elected officials say there’s little they can do, other than exert pressure through state and federal lawmakers.
A Verizon spokesman said the company adjusts its workforce to adapt in a competitive industry. The company reported a nearly one-third drop in profit per share for the third quarter of this year because of higher operating costs on its wireless operations.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
