FairPoint Communications and two unions representing more than 1,700 striking workers are entering a fifth week of closed-door negotiations.

Federal mediators brought the two sides back to the table on Jan. 4. Two weeks ago, the mediator said progress was being made. But there have been no further statements, and both sides are under a gag order.

FairPoint workers in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont have been on strike since October.

There's a big gulf to be overcome between unions and the company. The North Carolina-based company wants to require workers to contribute to health care costs, freeze and replace the old pension, eliminate retiree health care benefits, and to have the ability to hire outside contractors.