A STRIKE COULD BE IN THE NEAR FUTURE FOR A TRI CITIES LABOR UNION. THE CONTRACT BETWEEN COMMUNICATIONS WORKERS OF AMERICA LOCAL 3871 IN BLUFF CITY AND EMBARQ EXPIRES AT 12:01 A.M. ON SEPTEMBER 1ST. NEGOTIONS HAVE ALREADY BEGUN AND MEETINGS WILL CONTINUE NEXT WEEK. CWA WORKERS HAVE OVERWHELMINGLY VOTED TO STRIKE IF IT BECOME NECESSARY. UNION MEMBERS ARE SET TO MEET IN KINGSPORT BEGINNING ON SEPTEMBER 4TH IF AN AGREEMENT ISN’T REACHED.