The telecom giant Verizon has threatened to suspend benefits to 45,000 workers if they do not return to work at the end of the month. Verizon says workers in unions that initiated the massive strike will lose basic health insurance, as well as dental, vision and prescription-drug benefits, if they do not comply. Verizon stopped funding the workers’ pensions earlier this month when their previous contract expired. The strike was called after Verizon sought to cut health and pension benefits and obtain more leeway to fire workers. Union representatives have described the new threat as a scare tactic. Bob Master is a spokesperson for Communications Workers of America.

Bob Master: “You know this is typical in a lengthy strike. We’re prepared for it. We have procedures in place to ensure that all of our members’ healthcare needs will be taken care of, and if Verizon thinks it’s going to intimidate anybody, it just really isn’t going to work.”