It seems that 2009 will deal a final blow to FairPoint... Anyhow see the excerpt and link below:
Charlotte, N.C.-based FairPoint Communications bought 1.6 million land lines in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont from Verizon on March 31, 2008, for more than $2 billion.
Since changing over to its own computer systems Jan. 30, FairPoint has been plagued by complaints from retail, business and wholesale customers.
The company said it has approximately 4,140 employees, including approximately 2,700 who are represented by labor unions.
Hauser said the company is in negotiations with its unions on relaxation of work rules but, contrary to some reports last week in Vermont, is not asking for pay cuts. He said layoffs are a possibility.
FairPoint has a hiring freeze, with the only exceptions being those personally approved by Hauser.