Dick Johns, western region vice president for CWA in Pennsylvania, said today is a pivotal day for the union, because members decided at midnight to continue negotiating but believe that Monday's service and repair calls will put pressure on the company to come to an agreement.

Unresolved issues, he said, include health care costs and outsourcing, according to Mr. Johns. Verizon, he said, would like workers to pay for a greater share of their health insurance costs and would like more flexibility in hiring outside contractors to perform service calls. The union, however, wants to maintain contribution levels and work rules in the current agreement, which expired at midnight.

Union officials plan to present a counterproposal to the company today, Mr. Johns said.

First Published: August 3, 2008, 7:30 p.m.