Pros
The paid medical benefits , the paid tuition in any field, even if unrelated. That's the ONLY reason to work there. The pay is better than most places, and raises are signifigant and automatic. There is an incentive program which can substantially supplement your income. The money isn't the problem at Verizon. The compensation package is amazing. Thanks to the Union, of course.
Cons
In my particular shop, it's the management. My shop is where they send the managers who FAIL at other jobs at Verizon. And the worst of them all is the "resource management group". The people who control time off, attendance, etc. Their attitude is horrendous. Their goal seems to be to find a way to fire you, rather than work with you in ANY way. They make working at Verizon downright unpleasant. Hopefully, the announced reduction in management will bite a few of these people where it hurts. And maybe scare the evil out of the rest.