NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- Verizon workers are demanding job security and better health benefits, and they've authorized union leaders to call a strike if necessary.
The last time the union walked off the job was in 2000. They say they're ready to do it again when their contract expires this week.
In a statement, Verizon said "the company intends to negotiate in good faith to achieve timely and fair contracts for Verizon Telecom union-represented employees.
"Our expectation is to negotiate new contracts that will continue to provide leading wage and benefit packages."
About 65,000 telephone workers are fighting for a new contract that expires August 2.
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