Consolidated Communications Expects No Service Disruption

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Published on December 7 2012 4:16 pm
Last Updated on July 14 2013 12:07 pm
Written by Greg Sapp

Consolidated Communications officials said today that TV, Phone and Internet services shouldn’t be affected as a result of a work stoppage by Consolidated Communications’ 188 union-represented employees in Illinois.

Company officials said negotiations with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 702 broke down on Thursday after 23 negotiating sessions, with eight of those sessions coming after the contract expired on November 15. A company press release stated the collective bargaining talks have stalled "primarily because the parties are not making any progress on resolving pension reform, which is the company’s key priority." A federal mediator has been utilized to facilitate the negotiations.

“We are disappointed we have not been able to come to an agreement on a new contract with the union,” said Ryan Whitlock, Director Human Resources. “We have a complete contingency plan in place and our management employees will make every effort to minimize any inconveniences to our customers.”

The company’s union-represented employees include technicians, customer service representatives, repair, warehouse and facilities employees.

The Communication Centers in Mattoon, Taylorville and Litchfield will be temporarily closed. To make payment arrangements, obtain account balances, make a payment or to get a list of alternate payment locations, customers may visit www.consolidated.com or call (866) 989-2255.