MANCHESTER, N.H. (AP) — Unions representing FairPoint Communications workers in northern New England say preliminary vote counts suggest an overwhelming majority of members support authorizing a strike.

Negotiations began in April on a contract that expires Aug. 2. Workers in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont recently held meetings to vote on whether to authorize a strike. Voting has finished in Maine and Vermont, but has been extended in New Hampshire due to storm damage.

The vote does not mean the 2,000 workers will go on strike but gives leaders with the Communications Workers of America and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers the ability to call for one later.

The company says service to customers will continue if there is a strike.