PORTLAND, Maine — Sunday Night Update (August 8, 2021) 10:39 p.m.
Consolidated Communications employees, members of the IBEW Local 2327 union, have announced on their website that they have reached a tentative agreement with their employer.
The union says on its website, "We have achieved vastly improved subcontractor language and decreased transfer of work by several percent over a 4-year agreement."
NEWS CENTER Maine is following this story and will update as we learn more.
--
Earlier Sunday
More than 1,000 union workers for Consolidated Communications are ready to strike if they cannot negotiate a fair contract, according to IBEW Local 2327.
The contract was set to expire on Saturday at midnight but has been extended as the negotiations continue into Sunday, according to Senior Vice President of Operations for Consolidated Communications Ryan Whitlock.
In a statement to NEWS CENTER Maine, Whitlock says, “Discussions continue with CWA and IBEW representatives. Though no new agreements have been reached, the Parties continue to have productive dialogue late into Sunday afternoon in efforts to reach new agreements. Talks have continued with mutual respect and further collaboration. Until further notice, employees continue to work under the existing terms and conditions of the expired collective bargaining agreements. We remain committed to reaching fair agreements while continuing to provide reliable support to our customers in Northern New England.”
Business Manager Peter McLaughlin told NEWS CENTER Maine on Friday that negotiations with the company are ongoing.
About 450 workers are in Maine, according to McLaughlin, the rest are in New Hampshire and Vermont.
Union leaders said they are concerned about the company using what they are calling 'substandard' contractors.
McLaughlin said he and his members are worried about jobs going to workers outside of New England.
Consolidated Communications took over FairPoint Communications in a $1.3 billion purchase in 2017.