Following are some of the questions that the formerly laid off members are asking, and the answers we have been able to get at this point. Remember that you should call 1-800-925-3775.

As more information becomes available we will get it out.

1- When do I come back?

All laid off members will report back to work on July 30^th

2- When will I get my back pay?

At this point the company is saying that it will take them until some time in the fourth quarter to issue the back pay checks

3- What will be deducted from my back pay?

The company is permitted to deduct any severance/incentive pay, unemployment pay, union dues, earned wages from another job.

4- Will I get my raises?

Yes, you must get any and all raises you would have accrued. At this point you will return on the rate you left, you will then get all raises as soon as possible and the difference will be in the retro check.

5- Do I get Vacation?

Yes, you must get any vacation you would have had coming to you this year (You should have been paid for any vacation you had left at the time of the lay-off.). If you had already scheduled vacation for the return date, then take it, but you MUST call the 800 number. If not, report first, then schedule.

6- Do I get reimbursed for COBRA

Yes, you should have receipts or cancelled checks for any COBRA payments you made.

7- Do I get reimbursed for medical/dental/vision bills

Yes, you will be reimbursed whatever your medical plan would have paid, if you did not sign up for COBRA. When you return you will be in the same plan as when you left, but will be getting a package to change if you want.

8- Do I get EWD days?

Yes, you are entitled to EWD days for this year, however, you must report to work first.

9- If we strike do I get unemployment?

Since you will pay back unemployment (company will deduct), we believe you will recycle immediately and get unemployment after seven weeks on strike like all others, but we are still discussing this.

10-Will I get lost overtime?

We intend to pursue this issue through the grievance procedure, but the company has taken it’s usual stand of no pay for overtime not worked.

11- I am a laid off worker on disability or Workers Comp. what do I do?

Notify your manager and call the 800 number, and tell them that you intend to return if possible and want to be reinstated.

12- I took an educational leave of absence to avoid being laid off, can I return to work on July 30^th?

Yes, you can, but at this time you would have to reimburse the company the tuition since you would in effect be dropping out. We are addressing this issue at the bargaining table, we are still working on this

13- Do I have to return to work, if I do not want to return to work for Verizon, and what do I forfeit?

No, you do not, you would get your retroactive money up to July 30^th.

14- Is there a grace period if I am out of state, or out of country?

Those will handled on a case by case basis, but you must call the 800 number.

15- What will I have to do to get the company matching funds in my S.S.P. plan?

Those details are being worked out.

16- If my old department was closed down or moved, where will I be placed?

You must call the numbers provided and you will be given a reporting point, you will be entitled to the contractual D.T.A.

17- I returned my pass, how do I get a new one?

New passes will be sent to the district offices and will be distributed through your management at your work location.

18- Do I get Tuition Aid for classes while I was laid off?

If the classes meet normal reimbursement requirements, they should be reimbursed, but this is still being worked out.