Feds Send In Mediator: Verizon Strike of 2016 Update

Don’t expect many public statements from Verizon or union leaders this week.

As the Verizon worker strike of 2016 enters its 36th day, officials at the U.S. Department of Labor announced that the agency will send in a federal mediator to assist in the ongoing contract negotiations between the communications giant and nearly 40,000 striking employees.

“Discussions will continue in Washington this week under the auspices of the Department of Labor,” DOL Secretary Tom Perez stated in a news release.

“I’m encouraged by the parties’ continued commitment to remain at the bargaining table and work toward a resolution,” Perez said. “We will continue to facilitate conversations to help the unions and the company reach an agreement.”

Perez added:

“The parties further agreed that during these talks they will make no public statements, nor will there be comments from the federal officials involved.”

Editor's Note: This article is part of an ongoing series. Catch up on the latest news about the Verizon strike here.

Photo by Marco Verch via Flickr Commons

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