Judge tells Verizon unions strike violence is unacceptable

(AP) – A Delaware judge declined to hold two Communications Workers of America locals in contempt for violating an order regarding striking Verizon workers’ actions, but he criticized them for endangering nonunion workers’ and imposed new strike restrictions.

While denying Verizon’s request to hold the unions in civil contempt, the judge said Thursday that violence and threatening behavior will not be tolerated. He directed the unions to take financial responsibility for two incidents on Interstate 95 that damaged vehicles being driven by nonunion workers and warned that he might hold the unions in criminal contempt if strikers continue to engage in dangerous or threatening activity.
    
Verizon attorneys cited several incidents in which they allege striking workers engaged in threatening and violent behavior.