In the first statement since negotiations began under their auspices, the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service has acknowledged that talks between representatives of FairPoint Communications and two striking unions are continuing and that “progress is being made”.
A statement issued Friday evening by FMCS Acting Director Allison Beck on behalf of the negotiating parties offers little additional information.
A gag order remains in effect and, according to the news release, “any statements or assertions made by any other party are not authorized by the Company or the Unions.”
The FMCS is not releasing information about meeting dates and locations.
The parties agreed to resume negotiations on Jan. 4 by invitation of the FMCS.
Talks broke down in August and the company declared an impasse and imposed the terms of its contract offer.
Approximately 1,800 union workers in Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine went on strike in October.
