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CWA Reaches Three-Year Pact at Cincinnati Bell

Weeks of rallies and mobilization and a final marathon bargaining session produced a new tentative agreement for members of CWA Locals 4400 and 4401 at Cincinnati Bell.

The agreement provides a compounded wage increase of 7.5 percent over the three-year term and a ten percent increase in pensions for current employees.

It establishes a new health reimbursement account plan for future retirees and maintains health care costs through 2006 for active workers, with moderate increases to take effect in 2007. Health care improvements include a new hearing benefit and increases in dental care coverage.

The contract addresses employment security concerns by adding a new process to negotiate job titles and wage rates and to explore new opportunities in emerging-technology work, and another new process to negotiate over contracted out work.

"Both of these provisions mean that there will be opportunities for more union work in the future than there would have been prior to this contract," said Seth Rosen, administrative assistant to CWA District 4 Vice President Jeff Rechenbach.

"This agreement addresses many of the concerns our members expressed in their bargaining surveys," said Local 4400 President Tim Donoghue. He and Local 4401 President Edwina Davis thanked members for their solidarity in what were difficult negotiations. "I'm proud of the way our members joined together to help move negotiations forward," Davis said, adding, "Their support made all the difference."

The contract, covering more than 2,000 Cincinnati Bell workers, will be sent to members for a mail ballot ratification vote with results expected in June.