FairPoint strike enters 50th day

[Omaha Steve]

Source: WMUR

By Ray Brewer

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. —Striking FairPoint workers rallied at Market Square on Portsmouth on Friday on the 50th day since workers walked off the job over a contract dispute.

FairPoint made an offer in April when the negotiations began, but according to the union, it has not moved from that original proposal. The union said workers have made three offers since then that it said would result in $200 million in savings for the company.

For seven weeks, 1,700 FairPoint union workers in New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine have been walking the picket lines. Union members said Friday's rally was intended to show the public that they are here and want to work.

There are indications that the strike is also affecting customer service. The New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission said complaints about the company have risen six-fold since workers walked off the job on Oct. 17.

FULL story AND VIDEO at link.





Read more: http://www.wmur.com/money/fairpoint-strike-enters-50th-day/30077188

[unhappycamper]

1. Thank you Judge Harold Greene.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harold_H._Greene

In the 80s St. Ronnie wanted to show strength against corporate monopolies. The two firms in their sight at the time was AT&T and IBM. Ronnie needed computers for his Star Wars program and AT&T was selected for breakup. Or a coin was tossed.

I started with New England Telephone in 1981 and I worked for NYNEX, Bell Atlantic, Bell Atlantic and Verizon thru the mergers. I escaped in December 2001.

Verizon has been trying to get out of the wireline business and has been selling chunks of the system where ever they can. FairPoint is one of those leftovers of the old Bell system.

[Orsino]

2. Indications that the strike is affecting customer service?

More than indications. Since the strike began, the company has been unable to repair my customers' circuits in their usual day or two. Repairs are dragging out for many days, the managers don't answer their phones, and the scabs who do pick up are unable even to give current statuses.

It has made my job more difficult, but I say power to the Fairpoint workers. The company sucks without them on the job, and I hope as many people as possible discover this.

[dembotoz]

3. Big changes in the next couple years as the bells

work to abandon the copper in favor voip
fcc looking for comments

hold on to your knees i think we are going to get it up the but from the bells once again....

maybe verizon can sell more swampland to fairpoint