Verizon executives say that for the company to compete against lower-cost, nonunion rivals, the workers must pay more for health coverage.

Other Verizon executives have credited him with helping to promote diversity and a corporate culture based on customer service at the telecom company.

Mr. Jones said Verizon executives had always treated him with respect.

Verizon executives declined to forecast earnings for the year ahead.

Verizon executives vow to prevent such backlogs if there is a new strike.

Verizon executives declined to discuss their plans to transfer workers, noting, however, that some call centers are overstaffed and others understaffed.

Verizon executives said that business conditions, including competition from cellphones, had been driving down revenues from pay phones.

Verizon executives and lobbyists have said that there are concerns about security when it comes to allowing technicians from competitors into its offices.

Over all, compensation for Verizon senior executives is tied very directly to company performance.

Verizon executives also assert that managers of the wireless operation are not fighting unionization.