Striking FairPoint workers rallying at Vermont Statehouse say they'll wait for better deal

Many striking workers of FairPoint Communications say they're willing to stay off the job until they win what they consider a fair contract.

That was the sentiment of some of the workers who attended a rally Thursday at the Vermont Statehouse in Montpelier.

About 1,700 FairPoint workers from Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine have been on strike since Oct. 17.

Gov. Peter Shumlin appeared at the rally and told the workers he'd urged FairPoint officials to reach an agreement.

The most recent meeting between union representatives and the company earlier this week failed to make any progress.

FairPoint froze its pension plan and increased health care costs. The union says the proposed cuts would make it impossible for them to provide quality service in northern New England.