FMCS Statement on Tentative Agreements Between the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), The Communications Workers of America (CWA), And FairPoint Communications, Inc.

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Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service

Feb 19, 2015, 02:45 ET

WASHINGTON, Feb. 19, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Allison Beck, Acting Director of the U.S. Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS), issued the following statement today on tentative agreements reached between FairPoint Communications, Inc.; System Council T-9 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (AFL-CIO) Locals 2320, 2326, and 2327; and the Communications Workers of America (AFL-CIO) Local 1400:

"The parties are pleased to announce today that they have reached tentative agreements on the terms for new collective bargaining agreements.

"The company and the unions agree that the terms of their new collective bargaining agreements will address, in meaningful and constructive ways, the objectives of the parties and that the new labor agreements will provide employees with wages and benefits that are among the best in northern New England. At the same time, the agreements permit the company to achieve a much more competitive position in the marketplace.

"Union members will vote on ratification of the tentative agreements as soon as possible. Effective with the signing of the tentative agreements, the parties agreed that striking employees will return to work on Wednesday, February 25, 2015."

Ms. Beck also commended the parties for their professionalism, dedication and hard work during negotiations overseen by FMCS mediators. "Negotiators for both sides faced difficult issues that divided them, and through their perseverance and commitment to the process, they were able to bridge the gaps and resolve their longstanding dispute," she said.

FMCS mediators Josh Flax and Joe Kelleher also are deserving of commendation, she added. "The long hours and tireless efforts by the federal mediators in these talks were key ingredients in the process that helped these parties achieve an agreement," she said.

Further comments by the parties and the FMCS on the content or substance of the agreements will be withheld until the ratification vote is complete.

The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, created in 1947, is an independent U.S. government agency whose mission is to preserve and promote labor-management peace and cooperation. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with 10 district offices and 67 field offices, the agency provides mediation and conflict resolution services to industry, government agencies and communities.

Web site: www.fmcs.gov

SOURCE Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service