Contract expires, but Verizon workers stay the course

‘Progress continues but issues remain,' union says

"We have no deadline," Sandra Arnette said. "However, it is clearly important that we reach a new contract agreement as quickly as possible. The unions instructed workers to report for their shifts. So, business is as usual."

Maryland Verizon employees who are members of the Communications Workers of America and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers unions have voted to authorize a strike if talks fail to reach an agreement. But they agreed to postpone the strike after their contract expired Saturday and substantial progress had been made, according to the unions.

"Progress continues but issues remain, particularly concerning employment security and union jobs and recognition," union leaders said in a statement.

On Wednesday evening, a statement on the Internet site of the Communications Workers of America said some progress had been made "but not enough … We're stepping up our mobilization because we know it makes a real difference. Plans are in the works for worksite rallies on Friday to focus more attention on our fight for jobs and a fair contract."

Verizon has outsourced work such as laying fiber lines to non-union entities of Verizon and subcontractors, according to the union. The current contract, which covers Verizon employees from Virginia to Maine, will remain in effect, officials said.

Verizon is one of the top private employers in Maryland with about 10,000 employees, according to a state survey last year.