Qwest Cuts Management Pay, Pensions

Qwest Communications says it will save about $100 million by stopping contributions to managers' pension plans and freezing their pay. The cuts will take effect on Jan. 1.

The move is a red flag to CWAers at Qwest, who have sacrificed over the past decade to help restore their company's economic viability.  

"We're putting Qwest management on notice now that it better not be thinking about trying to cut workers' pensions, pay and benefits," said District 7 Vice President Mary Taylor.

"CWA bargained hard last year not only for the real improvements in wages, benefits and working conditions that our members deserved, but for the acknowledgement from management that frontline workers are critical to Qwest's success and deserve respect. We will keep pushing forward," she said.

CWA's contract with Qwest, covering about 20,000 workers, expires in 2012.