Qwest, unions keep talking after contract expires

Qwest Communications was still talking to its labor unions Sunday after contracts with the Communications Workers of America and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers expired Saturday night. However, while Qwest said it had agreed with the IBEW to extend negotiations toward a contract affecting about 200 workers, the state of negotiations with the CWA was characterized by both sides in published reports as disappointing and frustrating.

Qwest said it was "disappointed" that the CWA, which has 21,000 members affected by the negotiations forced matters to this point, while the CWA says that Qwest hasn't responded thoughtfully to it proposals. More than a month ago, both sides said they were starting negotiations in good faith to avoid the possibility of a strike at a time when Qwest market Denver and Minneapolis are about to host political party conventions.

For more:
- see this story [1] at MarketWatch

Related articles:
Qwest and the unions were set for long stretches at the table this weekend. Qwest report [2]
Qwest unions approve strike. Qwest union report [3]
Strike authorization appeared imminent last week. Strike report [4]
Qwest wants contract talks settled. Qwest contract report [5]
Qwest scrambles as DNC nears. Qwest report [6]
Qwest battles retirees over insurance. Qwest retiree report [7]