Verizon, CWA May Settle Pa. Copper Probe
Verizon may avoid a Pennsylvania copper probe by settling with the Communications Workers of America. CWA requested the investigation, but Verizon told the commission Nov. 21 it was "engaged in serious settlement discussions" with the union, the Pennsylvania Public Utility…
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Commission said in a scheduling order dated Nov. 22 and released this week. “The Commission strongly encourages settlement,” wrote Administrative Law Judge Joel Cheskis. The ALJ moved the due date for Verizon testimony to Jan. 27 from Dec. 1 and ordered the parties to provide a status report on settlement talks by Jan. 27, unless the matter is resolved sooner. He suspended all other previously set dates, including a plan for February hearings. The commission will set a new procedural schedule if there's no settlement by that date, the ALJ said. “Any settlement submitted for approval must be supported by substantial evidence.” The New York Public Service Commission previously postponed hearings on its Verizon copper probe until April 19 (see 1611250028).