Citizens-Arizona Pact Ratified

Local 7019 members have ratified a new four-year pact with Citizens Telephone Co. in Showlow, Ariz., that provides raises of nearly 8.5 percent and creates a "Common Interest Forum" to foster programs that can benefit the company, customers and workers.

"Both the company and the union recognize that these are very difficult times in the telephone industry," Telecommunications Vice President Jimmy Gurganus said. "It's imperative that all parties work together for our mutual interests."

As is the case with many contracts today, health care cost-sharing will rise slightly for workers and retirees.

"Once again our bargainers were stymied by rising health care costs," Gurganus said. "No one committee or one company can deal with this issue alone."

Following a recent meeting not directly related to this contract, he said, "We have agreed with Citizens and the IBEW to sit down and see if we can address the issue of health care in a more comprehensive manner."

The company and the union at the national level are also exploring ways to provide better training and retraining to help workers advance.

The new pact, affecting about 40 workers, went into effect Nov. 15. CWA represents 1,461 workers at Citizens nationwide.