Qwest, unions OK deal

DENVER • Qwest and its two unions have reached tentative agreements on new, three-year contracts, averting a potential strike one week before the Democratic National Convention in Denver.

The tentative agreement announced early Monday between Qwest and its largest union, the Communications Workers of America, came after marathon bargaining sessions Saturday and Sunday. The CWA represents nearly 20,000 union workers, including 300 with Local 7708 in Colorado Springs.

Negotiations had stalled over health care and wages shortly after the current contract expired at 12:01 a.m. Sunday, but the two sides resumed bargaining late Sunday afternoon with talks stretching into the night.

Qwest also reached a tentative agreement with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, which represents about 200 union workers in Montana.

Qwest spokesman Bob Toevs said the proposed contract calls for a wage increase totaling 9 percent over three years, an increase to the base pay of sales staff and a 3 percent increase in pension payouts.

He said it also includes a "modest" monthly premium for health coverage, where before employees paid only enrollment fees.

Union officials said the contract offer met their main objectives.

The tentative agreements still must be ratified by union members. CWA organizing coordinator Al Kogler estimated it would be at least two or three weeks before the contract with the CWA is put to a ratification vote.

"I appreciate the collaborative effort the bargaining teams made in confronting key issues facing employees and Qwest, especially health care," said Teresa Taylor, executive vice president and chief administrative officer of Qwest. "I'm confident Qwest will be a stronger company because of (the) result."

Qwest is the official phone and Internet provider to the Democratic National Convention and to the Republican National Convention, which begins Sept. 1 in St. Paul, Minn. It's donating up to $6 million in services to each convention.