BELL ATLANTIC & NYNEX RESPONSE TO AFL-CIO RESOLUTION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 7, 1996

BELL ATLANTIC & NYNEX RESPONSE TO AFL-CIO
RESOLUTION

Note to Editors: Earlier today, the AFL-CIO Executive
Council adopted
a resolution opposing the merger of Bell Atlantic and NYNEX. The
companies are jointly issuing the following statement on the union
action.

The AFL-CIO resolution opposing the Bell Atlantic NYNEX merger is
disappointing and shortsighted, but not surprising.

From the day we announced the merger, we have made a clear,
on-the-record commitment that no union-represented employees will be
laid off because of the merger. It's a commitment that goes much
further than required by our union contracts. In fact, today we are
hiring thousands of new employees who will be represented by unions in
both companies.

No one should be surprised by the union's attempt to take advantage of
the merger approval process. The motive is obvious - to force a
union of workers in the wireless business without going through the
normal organizing process.

In spite of the AFL-CIO action, we stand by our commitment to our
represented employees - their jobs are secure, and with this merger,
so is their future.

A stronger more competitive company is always the best guarantee of
job security, not only for the represented employees of the new Bell
Atlantic, but also for all those who will benefit from a healthier,
more dynamic participant in the economy of the Eastern United States.
The most important beneficiaries will be consumers who will have more
choices in communications products and services at extremely
competitive prices.

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Media contacts:

Bell Atlantic
Eric Rabe, 703-974-3036

NYNEX
Susan Kraus, 212-395-2355