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