Verizon Reports Instances of Network Sabotage

Verizon issued a press release Monday announcing recent incidents of what they believe to be sabotage to their network, which has resulted in a disruption of service for some of the company's customers.

Many employees have grown frustrated with the company's inability to hammer out a new contract with the Communication Workers of America and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers unions, that represent some 45,000 wireline employees across the region.

According to Verizon, at least 12 such incidents have occurred since Saturday spanning four states, all of which are strike areas, including New Jersey.

One particular incident happened in Cedar Grove, in which someone stole electronic equipment that resulted in a power failure, which affected numerous residences and businesses, as well as the local police department.

Among other things, the company also reported incidents of picketers illegally keeping managers, whom are not a part of the strike, from entering their place of work.

In several states across the Eastern region there were even reports of sliced fiber optics cable lines, which are used to transmit data for the FiOS television, Internet and phone service.

Verizon's Chief Security Officer Mike Mason condemned such actions, calling them "reprehensible."

"In addition to inconveniencing our customers, these deliberate disruptions of our network have affected hospitals, paramedics, fire fighters, law enforcement and other first responders," he said in a statement.

Mason also noted that employees involved in such actions would be terminated from the company and face prosecution for their unlawful behavior.

Throughout the day on Monday, wireline workers held public demonstrations in different parts of the country, including two locally at customer service centers in  and  to express their frustration and anger with the company over what they feel is unfair treatment.

Those picketing in Livingston cited a number of issues behind their discontent, including potentially having to pay more for health care and losing certain benefits.

While tensions remain high there is potentially light at the end of the tunnel. According to a report by Reuters, both representatives of the labor unions and Verizon have since returned to the discussion table in hopes of working out a new contract that both sides can agree upon.