PORTLAND — A federal mediator has coaxed FairPoint Communications and striking workers in northern New England back to the negotiating table.

The first meeting since FairPoint declared an impasse in late August will be held on Nov. 18 in Boston.

Officials said the mediator reached out to both sides.

Peter McLaughlin, chairman of the unions’ bargaining committee, said unions representing more than 1,700 workers are looking for common ground, “and we urge the company to return to the table in the same spirit.”

Workers went on strike on Oct. 17. A company-imposed contract has frozen the old pension plan and requires workers to contribute to health care costs for the first time. Other provisions allow the company to hire contractors and eliminate retiree health care benefits for current workers.