CenturyLink could face a strike by unionized workers in Arizona and a dozen other states. KJZZ's Dennis Lambert has more.

Union leaders say they've moved a step closer to allowing a walkout, but say they plan to continue talks with the telecommunications company.

The Communication Workers of America executive board has authorized the union's president to set a strike date, which would represent the final step in strike preparations.

Union spokesman Al Kogler says nothing is imminent and the union still hopes to reach a good contract for its 13,000 employees who formerly worked for Qwest Communications.

Nearly 90 percent of the customer service agents, network technicians and Internet support workers voted in October to authorize a strike. Kogler says sticking points in negotiations include increased health care premiums and returning more jobs to the United States.