Verizon Florida Workers Picket over Service Lapses

摘要

Verizon customer-service workers, joined by customers, last week picketed company offices around Tampa Bay to protest policies they said keep them from solving customers' service problems and answering their questions. The Bell also faced questions by Florida state consumer and Tampa officials on quality. Verizon will add customer service staff and try new customer service concepts to address the complaints, it said. "Informational" picketing took place before work April 7. Pickets' signs read "Honk for Better Service," "Verizon Customers Deserve Better Service" and other slogans. Florida service complaints have spurred local and state policymakers to inquire. IBEW Local 824, representing about 4,000 Tampa area workers, organized the picketing. Union leaders said the company has shifted significant resources from customer service and repairs to marketing and new fiber construction, hurting service.