Verizon strike tensions in Howell?

A report of unruly striking workers draws Howell police to a Verizon shop on Route 9. But it might be much ado about nothing.

WOBM News was alerted by a Facebook message that a heated exchange between picketers and the landlord of the shopping plaza housing the store prompted police response.

Unionized Verizon workers in the Communication Workers of America (CWA) are embroiled in a job action that began after protracted contract renewal talks reached a standstill.

According to Howell PD Detective Sergeant Christian Antunez, the landlord reported that strikers began intimidating patrons. No customers on the grounds at the time could confirm it for investigators.

Antunez said that the landlord was "advised on legal proceedings to have the picketers removed." Police, however, finding no illegal activity, allowed the strikers to remain.