On November 17, 2006 Verizon spun off its domestic print and Internet yellow pages directories publishing operations as well as the Verizon Information Services (VIS) to Idearc.
This spin off resulted in a transfer to Idearc of approximately 7,400 employees and a yet to be determined number of retirees. Many were retired from Verizon or its predecessor companies for many years and were depending upon Verizon to provide promised pensions and healthcare benefits. Those benefits were to be “substantially similar” to those provided by Verizon.
Recently a notice was sent to Idearc employees and retirees that Concession Telephone Service was to be terminated effective January 1, 2008. Some already lost this benefit in 2002 and received a lump sum payment.
This action confirmed the fears of those transferred to Idearc that their pensions and benefits were at serious risk. Many appeals were made to the Association of BellTel Retirees to intervene on their behalf.
The Association has agreed to ask legal counsel to research the issues. At this point we do not know if there is a basis for suit. However, we ask that Idearc retirees:
1. Collect any and all documents that they have relating to the conditions of their retirement and the promises made in writing or verbally for all benefits including Concession Service. Copy them and send the copies to the address shown below.
2. We need to know the names and all contact information of all who would serve as “Members of the Class” should a suit be filed. Let us know that you want to be an “Idearc Protestor.”
3. Write (email or fax) your Member of Congress and, in your own words, explain what has happened to you. Ask for a Congressional investigation of the transfer and potential loss of earned benefits.
Mail copies of documents to:
Association of BellTel Retirees
P.O. Box 33
Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724
Email other information & Idearc Protestor contact information to: association@belltelretirees.org
We ask all members to pass this email on to your friends and associates. Please urge them to join the Association by accessing our web site: www.belltelretirees.org and clicking on “Join Us.” WE NEED THE SUPPORT OF ALL!
Thank you.
Bill
C. William Jones
President & Executive Director
Association of BellTel Retirees Inc.
www.belltelretirees.org
Board Chairman
ProtectSeniors.Org
www.protectseniors.org