Fairpoint Accuses Unions, Employees Of Causing Disruptions Ahead Of Storm

FairPoint Communications is accusing the unions and employees on strike for a fifth day of intimidating the company’s temporary workers and intentionally causing disruptions “that threaten the safety of our employees” and “the service needs of our customers.” FairPoint’s allegations on Tuesday came as a nor’easter with the potential to damage telephone lines began hitting New England. Nearly 2,000 FairPoint employees in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont went on strike at midnight Thursday after contract negotiations fell apart and the unions accused the company of failing to negotiate in good faith.