The Latest: Consolidated CEO praises approving of labor pact
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) - The Latest on unions' approval of a contract with Consolidated Communications (all times local):
12:45 p.m.
Consolidated Communications CEO Bob Udell says a labor agreement for about 1,200 workers in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont will enable his company to manage costs "as a sustainable, long-term business."
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and Communications Workers of America announced approval of the three-year agreements Friday.
A statement by the unions acknowledged concessions "will have a profound effect on many of our lives." Union officials said the contracts will protect jobs, maintain affordable health care, and provide enhanced retirement benefits. But there's the possibility of some call center jobs being moved. Early retirement incentives are intended to mitigate that.
Consolidated provides telephone and broadband internet in northern New England.
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12:30 p.m.
Two unions representing about 1,000 Consolidated Communication workers in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont have approved three-year contracts.
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and Communications Workers of America on Friday announced the outcome of voting.
Union officials said the contracts, reached last weekend, will protect jobs, maintain affordable health care, and provide enhanced retirement benefits. They also said an early retirement package mitigates the impact if some call center jobs are moved out of state.
It's the first contract since Consolidated bought FairPoint Communications last year. Workers struck against FairPoint for four months in late 2014 and early 2015.
Illinois-based Consolidated Communications provides telephone and broadband internet in northern New England. It also operates in 21 other states.
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12:30 a.m.
Two unions representing about 1,000 Consolidated Communication workers in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont have approved three-year contracts.
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and Communications Workers of America on Friday announced the outcome of voting.
Union officials said the contracts, reached last weekend, will protect jobs, maintain affordable health care, and provide enhanced retirement benefits. They also said an early retirement package mitigates the impact if some call center jobs are moved out of state.
It's the first contract since Consolidated bought FairPoint Communications last year. Workers struck against FairPoint for four months in late 2014 and early 2015.
Illinois-based Consolidated Communications provides telephone and broadband internet in northern New England. It also operates in 21 other states.