Strike over, Watertown workers rejoice

Tens of thousands of unionized Verizon Communications workers will return to work, ending a strike that lasted for nearly two weeks. The two sides will continue to work toward a new contract.

They'll return to work Tuesday, according to the Associated Press.

Strikers in Watertown were glad to get back to work, according to a news release from the county's Democratic Party.

"There is still work to be done until a fair contract is in place," said Sean Hennessey, the chairman of the party. “Considering their record profitability, we call on the leadership of Verizon Communications to negotiate a contract that recognizes their employees as their most valuable resource. “

A big part of the beef is over employee health-care contributions (Verizon wants them) and pensions (Verizon wants them frozen).

So if there's no contract yet, why'd the employees come back to the table? Well, according to the Associated Press, it's because there's going to be, at least, a negotiating framework.

The Watertown picket, at the Verizon facility on Coffeen Street, featured two Dem county Legislature candidates who came out in a show of support: Carl Disalvatore and Ron Cole. Assemblywoman Addie Russell also made it out, as did former Treasurer Nancy Brown.