PORTLAND, Maine - Negotiations between FairPoint and two unions representing striking workers in northern New England are continuing with the help of a federal mediator in Washington, D.C.
Top leaders from both negotiating teams met on Sunday for mediated talks, the first discussions in more than a month. Another session was scheduled for Monday.
Both the company and union, which are under a gag order, are declining comment. But the U.S. Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service confirmed that the "mediation is continuing.''
More than 1,700 workers who staff call centers and maintain the telephone networks in Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire have been on strike since October. The North Carolina-based company has imposed its final offer while the unions have accused the company of failing to bargain in good faith.