July 31, 2008 Thousands of Verizon workers prepared to strike Play video

(Peter Howe, NECN: Boston, MA) - Ready and prepared to strike. Thousands of Verizon workers could walk off the job in just a matter of days. Thursday, employees made their case at a rally in downtown Boston.

A union official says negotiations have stalled. Higher wages and continued health care benefits for retirees appear to be the sticking points. Verizon workers last walked off the job eight years ago.

The strike deadline is Saturday at midnight. IBEW 2222 president Ed Fitzpatrick says the union has paid a tremendous cost to get where they are now, and they are willing to pay a bigger price to stay.