Verizon contract talks are extended

Verizon Communications Inc. and two unions representing some 65,000 of its workers remained in talks after agreeing to “stop the clock” on contracts that were set to expire late Sunday.

The New York-based company expects “business as usual” today as talks continue, said Verizon spokesman Eric Rabe. He said there was no deadline set for reaching a deal.

Major bargaining issues include healthcare coverage for employees and retirees, wages and union representation for new job areas.

One of the unions, the Communications Workers of America, said earlier Sunday that a strike had been postponed “in light of progress that has been made” in the negotiations.