PORTLAND, Maine - The imposition of FairPoint's final contract over objections of two unions representing more than 1,700 workers in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont is becoming real for workers.
Effective Tuesday, the old pension plan was frozen; future contributions go into a 401k plan for workers. Later this month, open enrollment begins on a health plan that will require workers to pay for the first time.
The company imposed its contract in late August after months of contract negotiations. A company spokeswoman says the changes are necessary to "ensure FairPoint's ability to price products competitively in the 21st century.''
The Communications Workers of America and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers have gone to the National Labor Relations Board for help, accusing the company of failing to bargain in good faith.