The only way to defeat a bully is to engage in a desperate struggle and win. Just such a struggle ended on June 17, 2016, when the Communication Workers of America (CWA) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) ratified a labor agreement with Verizon.

The CWA and the IBEW walked out on Verizon on April 13, 2016. Over 39,000 workers struck the company in one of the most significant labor battles of the past 15 years.  After 48 days a tentative agreement was reached on May 29th. On June 1, the workers went back to their jobs, and on June 17, it was approved by the rank-and-file. This struggle resulted in concrete improvements for the workers.

How did such a thing occur and what lessons does it teach? First and foremost, strikes are an effective form of working class struggle. However, to be successful a strike must shut down or severely curtail the economic activity of the employer.  Further, a strike must seek redress of issues, which appeal to the interests of the broad masses of working people. Finally, a solidarity movement must develop in support of the strike.

The Verizon strike had all these features. Locally, no workers crossed the picket lines and nationally 40,000 honored the strike. Mass rallies and mass picket lines were organized in all the main Verizon locations. Solidarity activity included a march down Elmwood Avenue on May 7 of over 1,500 people. Thousands of dollars were raised and food and water donations were gathered. Furthermore, Verizon had no real allies, the working people identified Verizon with greed and unbridled profits.

By the fourth week of the strike, it was obvious that the company was losing. Thomas Perez, the US Secretary of Labor intervened and the parties were back to bargaining. After several days of mediation, it was over. A 45-day strike resulted in a tentative agreement. The results were impressive.

• A 10.9 percent raise
• 1350 new jobs were added in New England and New York
• Profit-sharing was retained in the compensation package
• Pension increases
• 1^st Labor Agreements at selected retail stores
• A real sense of dignity was restored on the job

On June 17, the tentative agreement was ratified. This struggle is a fine example of working class solidarity. When the working people are mobilized by fighting organizations like the CWA and the IBEW, real advances are made. Let us all continue to stand as one in the fight for a better world.

Richard Lipsitz is President of the WNY Area Labor Federation.