I AM MIDDLE CLASS AMERICA!!!!

(pics courtesy of TRISH ELISE)

More than 45,000 workers are on strike today at Verizon Communications. Bargaining continues. Since bargaining began on June 22, Verizon has refused to move from a long list of concession demands. As the contract expired, nearly 100 concessionary company proposals remained on the table.As a result, CWA and IBEW have decided to take the unprecedented step of striking until Verizon stops its Wisconsin-style tactics and starts bargaining seriously.Even at the 11th hour, as contracts were set to expire, Verizon continued to seek to strip away 50 years of collective bargaining gains for middle class workers and their familiesCWA and IBEW members are prepared to return to work when management demonstrates the willingness to begin bargaining seriously for a fair agreement. If not, CWA and IBEW members and allies will continue the fight.

I AM MIDDLE CLASS AMERICA!

DAY 1

@ 1 AM I received a call advising me that CWA/IBEW were on strike against Verizon. That the negotiations went south and that the two parties are no longer at the table. I was a little shocked only because I felt as though we would work with out a contract until they came to an agreement. My mind is going a million miles a minute I am trying to get focused. I have 4 people who are also affected by this....my children. So no matter what I have to be strong. I go to look at facebook and Twitter through out the day and see that Verizon is a trending topic. SO the word is out. I read some of the post which are inspirational some just hateful. This is going to be a real fight. I am a christian and believer in prayer so I give it to GOD and log off.

DAY 2

Today is my 35 th birthday. O what a blessing. I am happy to be able to see another year. I wont be getting teh royal treatment today I am getting my family ready for a rally at the chesapekae complex. I will spend my birthday on on the picket line fighting for my job. My oldest daughter had to work and its to hot to have the baby out so I take him to daycare. My sister who ALWAYS supports me comes to my house with her red shirt on and camera ready, I have 2 of my 4 children with me so lets go and make some noise. When we arrive to the Rally its a sea of red shirts , its actually a good feeling to see that alot of people came out. I didnt expect this many people to take it serious. I see many of my co -workers from my office and some from other departments that I know. My daughter leans over and says " Ma this is real important huh"? I smile and shake my head yes! My sister understands and jumps in taking pictures and video. She knows that I will ALWAYS have other options but it shold be on my own terms. We walk we chant we scream CWA.... WHAT DO WANT?....... A CONTRACT.... WHEN DO WE WANT IT?.....NOW!!!!!

DAY3

Today I go the gym and do the 30 minute work-out and call about my account. Wow my bill is simple and the person couldnt explain my bill to me. WHAT A MESS! I spent some time with my youngest daughter and I prepare to walk the line tomorrow!

Day 4

Today I went to picket a Verizon Wireless store. There is an issue with wireless not being specific on the signs so we are unable to do that the police makes us move. So off to Ballys I go. Eliptical gets this stress today, and a 30 minute work out that helps me with the frustration

DAY 5

I get up early and take my youngest to the daycare. I have my oldest and youngest daughters with me they are prepared to walk the line. Whenwe get there my daughter jump right in the circle screaming CWA and learning the cadences in no time. we walk and walk and scream and sing and walk some more. I am looking around and its alot of families out there. Middle Class America is READY praying we all hold strong!

DAY 6

I get to the line to complete my last hour and man its amazing how things change in 24 hours the police now are there and there is no more minute wait. A director has hit someone on the line and emotions are REALLY running high. So now Verizon security is present along with police. WOW! this is the 1st week. Scab List is out MAN O MAN!

Day 7

I am updating my Negelected Blogging duties with all that has happen I have been a nin existent presence that not good. Well what better to wriet about than what happening in my life in REAL TIME. I plan to relax today and enjoy family becuase some people will fall off and cross the line and I may need to give a few extra hours so that its an extra body on the line. I AM MIDDLE CLASS AMERICA AND THIS AFFECTS ME DIRECTLY!!

I will keep you updated on all changes if any THANK YOU foryour support and prayers

Troub!e