Judge: Striking Verizon workers can't spread nails, glass

Verizon (NYSE: VZ) has obtained injunctions from courts in New Jersey and Pennsylvania that could limit the activities of employees on picket lines, including an order that picketers not throw objects or block access to Verizon facilities.

Striking Verizon workers surround a Verizon truck in New York City. The picketers said the truck's driver was taking pictures of them. (Photo courtesy of CWA)

According to an injunction from the Superior Court of New Jersey, activities local unions are prohibited from engaging in include "dropping, spreading, throwing, placing or otherwise causing nails, glass, cinder blocks, feces, clubs, rocks, screws or puncture devices of any kind, or other objects" to be placed or thrown on Verizon property and adjoining roads.

Verizon has accused striking employees of vandalizing its property, and sparking outages for its FiOS TV, Internet and telephone services by cutting sections of its fiber infrastructure.

Injunctions Verizon won from courts in New Jersey and Pennsylvania also prohibit acts of violence and vandalism, and order union members to not enter Verizon facilities for any other reason than performing company work.

Verizon is relying on managers, retired employees, and other replacement workers to handle home installations and technical calls. The courts have ordered striking employees that picket at a work site to stay at least 10 feet away from the individual performing work.

For more:
- see injunctions Verizon won from courts in New Jersey and Pennsylvania (PDF)

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