Update: Most Verizon Workers Return After 15-Day Strike

Updated from 10:39 a.m. EDT

About two-thirds of the more than 86,000 striking telecommunications employees at Verizon Communications (VZ Quote) returned to work Monday after the two unions representing the workers reached an accord with the company.

The company expects to reach an agreement with the remaining workers "shortly."

The strike, which lasted 15 days and affected 12 states, is effectively over, according to union leaders, The New York Times reported Monday.

Verizon finished up 3/8, or 1%, at 42 3/8.