Verizon strike: 'Positive' talks, no deals

Talks between the unions and Verizon will continue in Rye through the weekend as the strike nears its third week, both parties confirmed Friday.

Around 45,000 unionized workers from the Communications Workers of America and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers walked off their jobs after they failed to settle a contract with Verizon two Sundays ago. Medical benefits, pensions and job security language are up for discussion.

Talks between the unions and Verizon began Aug. 10 and have been progressing slowly, with no decision on key demands by both parties, said George Bloom, president of CWA's Local 1104 in Nassau.

"We haven't agreed on anything but we had some positive conversation." Bloom said."

Meanwhile, a scuffle between a Verizon manager and a union worker in Riverhead on Thursday led to an arrest. Verizon manager Eddie Googe was charged with second-degree harassment after an altercation that sent Dennis Dunn, a union picket, to the hospital briefly, said Riverhead police Det. Timothy Hubbard. "We are looking into the allegations and will respond accordingly," said Verizon spokesman John Bonomo.