Windstream 2014 Annual Report Download - page 96

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Key suppliers may experience financial difficulties that may affect our operations.
Windstream purchases a significant amount of equipment from key suppliers to maintain, upgrade and enhance our network
facilities and operations. Should these suppliers experience financial difficulties, their issues could adversely affect our business
through increased prices to source purchases through alternative vendors or unanticipated delays in the delivery of equipment and
services purchased.
Adverse developments in our relationship with our employees could adversely affect our business, our results of operations
and financial condition.
As of December 31, 2014, we had 1,530 employees, or approximately 12 percent of all of our employees, covered by collective
bargaining agreements. Our relationship with these unions generally has been satisfactory.
We are currently party to 23 collective bargaining agreements and one National Pension Agreement with several unions, which
expire at various times. Of our existing collective bargaining agreements, eight agreements covering approximately 500 employees
are due to expire in 2015. In addition, the national pension agreement covers approximately 500 employees. This agreement
expired in 2010 but has been extended indefinitely, subject to the right of Windstream or the unions to terminate the agreement
with 30 days notice. Historically, we have succeeded in negotiating new collective bargaining agreements without work stoppages;
however, no assurances can be given that we will succeed in negotiating new collective bargaining agreements to replace the
expiring ones without work stoppages. Increases in organizational activity or any future work stoppages could have a material
adverse effect on our business, our results of operations and financial condition.