PORTLAND (AP) — Hundreds of union workers chanting slogans and waving signs used a Labor Day rally in Maine’s largest city to demand that FairPoint Communications return to the negotiating table.

The workers gathered in Longfellow Square on Monday after a Labor Day breakfast sponsored by the Southern Maine Labor Council. The group demanded an end to corporate greed, and for the company to resume negotiations.

“You need to recognize these workers, not replace with people from out of state,” U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree told the group. “Don’t replace them. Get back to the bargaining table!”

FairPoint has declared an impasse after four months of negotiations with unions representing more than 1,700 workers in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. Unions contend the company is not bargaining in good faith.

FairPoint imposed its final offer, something it contends it was entitled to do.

While wages remain largely unchanged, the plan freezes the existing defined benefit pension plan, rolling benefits over into a new plan. It also allows the company to hire contractors, eliminates retiree health care benefits for current employees and requires workers to share some health care costs for the first time.

On Monday, workers raised concerns about the hiring of contract workers. They fear call center jobs could be removed, and that lesser-trained contractors could take over technical jobs.

“The jobs are going to leave Maine, if they get their way,” said Steve Elrick, a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, based in FairPoint’s Brunswick office.

The IBEW and Communication

Workers of America have appealed to the National Labor Relations Board, asking the panel reinstate the contract that expired Aug. 2 and order FairPoint to negotiate.

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