Rep. Peter Welch sends letter to FairPoint CEO Paul Suno

1,700 FairPoint workers in Vermont, Maine, and New Hampshire went on strike two weeks ago, and they’re still at it. They hit the picket line after a contract was imposed by the company that froze pension plans, eliminates retiree health care benefits, and requires workers to contribute to their health care costs. FairPoint has hired temporary workers in an effort to keep operations running smoothly.

On Thursday, Oct. 30 Rep. Peter Welch sent this letter to the CEO of FairPoint, Pual Suno.

Dear Mr. Sunu:

Across Northern New England, 1,700 hardworking FairPoint employees are on strike. Yesterday, I visited with those walking the picket line in Burlington. What I heard was a passionate commitment to customer service and a deep concern about their jobs, their pensions and their livelihood. They told me they want nothing more than a fair settlement that gets them back to work providing good service to Vermonters, and food and shelter for their families.

Mr. Sunu, your employees are struggling, anxious about their futures, but resolute in their insistence on fair treatment. I strongly urge you to return to the bargaining table in good faith and find common ground with the working men and women of your company. Ending this dispute promptly is the right thing to do for them, their families, your customers, and your shareholders.

Sincerely,

Rep. Peter Welch