Even ask the court for permission to pay employees.
“With approval from the Court, we will continue paying our employees, maintaining our relationships with our vendors and business partners and serving our customers as usual. We remain committed to providing critical voice and data services and ensuring customers realize the maximum benefit in transitioning to next-generation technology solutions and premium broadband services.”
https://globenewswire.com/news-release/2019/02/25/1741836/0/en/Windstream-Holdings-Inc-Files-for-Voluntary-Reorganization-Under-Chapter-11-of-the-U-S-Bankruptcy-Code-Following-Judge-Furman-s-Decision.html