Electrical workers at Verizon in RI, Mass. authorize strike [telecom]

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BOSTON (AP) ? Union officials say a group of Verizon employees in Massachusetts and Rhode Island have voted to authorize a strike if union negotiators determine one is necessary after their contract expires Aug. 1.

Leaders of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers said Friday that union members in the two states voted overwhelming in favor of authorizing a strike. Similar votes are planned over the next 10 days by Verizon workers in the Communication Workers of America union.