[L]awmakers want to help end the three-month-long strike by FairPoint Communication workers by passing a symbolic resolution to end the impasse over union contract negotiations.
At least 62 lawmakers have signed a resolution supporting the workers in the contract dispute. A vote was scheduled Wednesday, but was postponed until Thursday due to a scheduled Republican caucus meeting, lawmakers say.
FairPoint workers went on strike after the company imposed cuts to health care and pension benefits following unsuccessful negotiations between the company and the unions that represent 1,700 workers in Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. For three weeks, the company and the unions have been in closed-door meetings with federal mediators.
The resolution “urges the management of FairPoint Communications to settle the current employee strike in order to restore reliable telecommunications services in Vermont.” If passed, a copy of the resolution would be sent to company leadership.
About two dozen workers and supporters gathered outside FairPoint offices in Montpelier on Wednesday, where pizza, doughnuts and soda were served around a small fire pit. Members of the Working Vermonters’ caucus also attended.
Rep. Joey Donovan, D-Burlington, who co-chairs the Working Vermonters’ caucus, said she is standing by the workers. She is a signatory to the resolution.
“In our view, the workers of FairPoint have already conceded,” she said. “Now it’s up to FairPoint to step up to the plate.”
Conrad Caldwell, 65, of Brookfield, a repair technician for 36 years, said at least the company is back at the table.
He said he has an issue with the fact that the company wants to use outside contractors for certain work.
“The job security for me is a very big thing,” Caldwell said. “All of us want to work.”
Mike Lynch, 47, of East Montpelier has worked at the company for 17 years, most recently as a cable placer. He said the union knows it is going to have to pay something. Medical insurance is an area where he said he is willing to negotiate.
He said the company has offered a medical plan that costs $15,000 per year. He did not say how much the union plan was, but said it was cheaper and offered better coverage.