Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders, known for speaking out against big business, has spoken at a picket line with Verizon union workers in New York.

The picket was organized by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and Communication Workers of American, with the goal being to bolster support for as many as 40,000 employees of Verizon who are currently engaged in contract battles with the company.

The picket follows a contract that was proposed by Verizon back in June, however CWA had a number of problems with the new contract, including the suggested pay increases, pension benefits, health care, and whether or not the company can contract out union jobs.

"While we're willing to consider all offers, union leaders came back with counterproposals that would offer up to 19 additional days off, including new holidays, employee birthdays, more vacation days and additional sick days," said Verizon Chief Administration Officer Marc Reed in a statement. That sort of proposal is unrealistic and out-of-touch in today's marketplace."

Ed Mooney, who is vice president of CWA district 2-13, said that Verizon hasn't really moved since it made its initial proposal back in June, and that if the company was serious about finding a resolution it would need to make more of an effort to bargain with employees.

Bernie Sanders, who calls himself a democratic socialist, is known for a very pro-union stance. It's surprising to see a presidential candidate take the time to join a cause such as this one, with Sanders saying in an interview with The Huffington Post that the last presidential candidate to join a picket line was Jesse Jackson back in 1988. Sanders himself has reason to support unions, with nine of the top ten of his contributions being from unions since 1989. In recent times however, Sanders has become known for raising money for his campaign through thousands of one-time donations from supporters of his campaign.

While presidential candidates might not often join picket lines, it's nothing new for Sanders. Right before he announced his presidential bid last year he joined a picket line with workers at FairPoint Communications, with 1,700 employees being on strike in New England.

Via: Engadget