NEW YORK (AP) -- Verizon Communications Inc. is back in talks with two unions about new labor contracts for 65,000 workers.
The Communications Workers of America, the largest of the unions, said negotiations had resumed Monday morning.
Verizon's contracts with the CWA and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers were set to expire Saturday at midnight. But the unions "stopped the clock" on the expiration because progress was being made in the negotiations. Their members continued to work under the old contracts.
The union members, who work at Verizon's landline side in Virginia, West Virginia and several other states, have authorized a strike. Verizon Wireless has few unionized employees.
Major bargaining issues include health care coverage, wages and union representation for new jobs.
UPDATE: Sunday
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- As of 12 a.m. Sunday, Verizon and the Communication Workers of America have agreed to stop the clock on negotiations. That means no work stoppage for now, and employees will continue to work under the old contract agreement.
A spokeswoman for the CWA says progress has been made when it comes to healthcare and economics.
The two sides are still trying to reach compromises on job security and workers' pensions.
950 local Verizon field technicians, operators and customer service representatives are affected by the contract talks. Around 65,000 other workers are affected nationwide.
Keep clicking on WSAZ.com for more updates.