Communications Workers of America estimates that the closure of six Verizon call centers nationwide will result in the elimination of 3,000 of its 6,500 current positions, but Verizon claims it’s not a layoff. A Verizon spokesperson has said the company is offering employees the same pay and benefits “to work from the comfort of their own home through the Home Based Agent model.” Plus, they will get a $65 per month for Internet access.

“If this is not a layoff, as Verizon claims, all workers at the … affected centers should get to keep their jobs,” says Dennis Trainor, union vice president and Wireless Workers United chair. Many of them will not meet Verizon’s home-work requirements. They must be able to work split shifts, weekends, and holidays; have high-speed Internet at home; and an extra room with total quiet.

According to the Verizon spokesperson, none of the workers in the affected Albuquerque, New Mexico; Franklin, Tennessee; Hilliard, Ohio; Huntsville, Alabama; Little Rock, Arkansas; Mankato, Minnesota; and North Charleston, South Carolina; facilities are represented by the union.