1,000 CWAers Reach Tentative Agreement at Cincinnati Bell

Members of Locals 4400 and 4401 rally in support of their bargaining team at Cincinnati Bell. A tentative contract reached May 7 improves wages and job security.

A tentative agreement for 1,000 CWA members at Cincinnati Bell, reached just hours before the current contract expired, improves job security and wages, and holds the line on health care. Members of Locals 4400 and 4401 will vote by mail on ratification, with ballots to be counted next month.

The proposed 39-month contract covers installers, outside technicians and customer service representatives. It boosts wages by 6.75 percent over the term of the contract and includes job security language stating that the company's 300-person call center in Cincinnati will remain open for the life of the contract. Other improvements include an increase in the company’s contribution to its workers' 401(k) plan.

During negotiations, union members supported the bargaining team with rallies and other mobilization activities. "CWA members at Cincinnati Bell remained united, and despite tough times, won an agreement that preserves jobs, increases wages, and maintains health care and pensions," CWA District 4 Vice President Seth Rosen said.