Kentucky Alltel Workers Ratify Three-Year Contract

CWA members at Alltel in Kentucky, forced to strike for a fair contract three years ago, ratified a new agreement that raises wages and protects most of their health care benefits.

The 350 workers, members of Locals 3371 and 3372, will receive a 3 percent raise in each year of the three-year pact, which is effective June 8, along with a $500 ratification bonus. Through the end of 2008, the company will continue to pay 85 percent of health care premiums; Alltel will then lower its share to 80 percent.

Retiree health care, one of the key issues that led to the four-week strike in 2003, was a very contentious issue, said Bob Richhart, assistant to CWA Telecommunications Vice President Jimmy Gurganus.

Richhart said workers were forced to accept some additional health care cost shifting for future retirees — those retiring after May 31, 2009.

Under a merger pending with Valor Communications, Alltel's landline operations will become a new company, called Windstream Corp., during the course of the contract. Alltel's wireless business will be a separate company. CWA is expecting a decision from the Kentucky Public Utility Commission in June regarding limitations the union is seeking in regard to the split.

In addition to the Kentucky pact, CWA has 13 on-going contracts with Alltel in seven other states — Pennsylvania, Nebraska, Ohio, South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida and Mississippi.