Windstream looks to cut retiree benefits

Another telco is set to go to court over retiree benefits. Windstream Communications has an appointment in front of a federal judge on Dec. 15. Windstream wants the freedom to reduce retiree benefits for people who worked for and retired from companies that Windstream eventually acquired, including Lincoln, Neb.-based Aliant Communications.

The retirees argue their benefits are vested and permanent, and that they were promised ongoing benefits. Another independent telco, Embarq, is facing a lawsuit over its decision to cut benefits for some retirees in order to reduce costs. Qwest Communications and BT are among other telcos that have been facing controversial benefit decisions. Do you have the feeling we have only seen the beginning of such disputes?

For more:
- KPTM.com has the Associated Press story [1]

Related articles
A class action lawsuit against Embarq remains alive [2]
Qwest and its retirees have battled over insurance [3]
BT has eyed changes to its pension program [4]