Hundreds of striking FairPoint workers are holding a rally in the Maine city of Portland.
About 2,000 workers in Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine went on strike on Oct. 17. A company-imposed contract has frozen the old pension plan and requires workers to contribute to health care costs for the first time. Other provisions allow the company to hire contractors and eliminate retiree health care benefits for current workers.
FairPoint declared an impasse in late August.
The two sides are expected to return to the negotiating table on Nov. 18 in Boston.
The rally takes place at noon on Saturday in Monument Square.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
