Windstream cuts 170 jobs

Windstream said it will cut 170 jobs because of declining revenue from its landline business, about 2.3 percent of its 7,400 person workforce.

A spokesperson for the company said cuts include layoffs, but the company hopes some employees will volunteer for buyouts. The cuts will be company-wide and include 11 positions at Windstream's HQ in Little Rock, Arkansas. A state-by-state breakdown of cuts is not available, because the company is asking for employees to accept severance.

Windstream says it will pay about $6 million in severance benefits to affected employees.

Offering traditional landline service, Windstream has seen demand decline between fewer new homes being built and more customers opting to go wireless. The company also offers high-speed Internet and digital TV service with Dish Network.

Started in 1996, the company has customers in 16 states, 3.1 million access lines and $3.2 billion in annual revenue.

Earlier Thursday, Windstream asked a Nebraska federal judge to allow it to reduce retiree benefits, regardless of where people might have retired from. Windstream is facing a $227 million liability in retiree health care benefits, with two-thirds of the cost associated with Nebraska retiree benefits.

For more:
- AP reports Windstream job cuts. Article.

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