Qwest contract vote process underway

The 20,000 or so Communications Workers of America members who work for Qwest Communications International are in the process of receiving ballots to vote on the new contract Qwest and CWA tentatively agreed to last month. Union members have until Sept. 30 to turn in their votes. The tentative deal includes raises totaling 9 percent over three years, as well as an increase to the base pay of sales staff, and a 3 percent increase in pension payouts.

The telco and its unions were able to reach an agreement and avert a possible strike just days before the Qwest network provided the communications foundation for both the Democratic National Convention in Denver and the Republican National Convention In Minneapolis.

For more:
- see this item [1] at The Seattle Times

Related articles
Health care benefits were another key contract issue [2]
The CWA membership had approved a strike if needed [3]