BANGOR, Maine — Though few of them wanted to speak on the record Friday, FairPoint Communications workers who have been on strike for four months appeared relieved and elated about their latest contract proposal.
There was a lot of handshaking, hugging and high-fiving going on as dozens of FairPoint workers and union officials streamed into one of the banquet rooms at the Spectacular Event Center.
While the terms of the contract offer were not released on Friday, union officials believe the agreement will be ratified.
Don Trementozza, president of Communications Workers of America Local 1400, attended the Portland session held earlier in the day.
He said the mood there was jubilant.
“It was very festive and exciting. People are very ecstatic to go back to work and very glad to hear the news once we presented it to them,” he said just before the Bangor session got under way.
If FairPoint workers vote to ratify the contract offer, they will be back on the job Wednesday, Trementozza said.
Jim Feeney, a 32-year FairPoint safety coach, acknowledged that the last four months have been difficult for striking workers and their families, who have gone without paychecks and health insurance.
At issue were outsourcing, benefits and the negotiating process itself. Contract talks became so contentious that federal mediators stepped in to attempt to break the impasse.
Feeney was among many FairPoint workers who credited solidarity for the breakthrough.
Feeney, who is a union mobilizer, also said that striking FairPoint workers appreciated the support they received since the strike began on Oct. 17 of last year.
“It even came in from overseas,” he said.
Friday’s meetings in Portland and Bangor kicked off three days of ratification votes in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. Results will not be disclosed until after the last round of voting takes place in Vermont on Sunday.