Telecom News: CWA Members Mobilize as Qwest Contract Deadline Nears

Negotiations between CWA and Qwest Communications were continuing down to the wire as the CWA Telecom News went to press. The contract covering 20,000 CWA-represented workers at Qwest was set to expire at 12:01 a.m. on Aug. 17.

CWA members at Qwest are focused on winning a fair contract, showing their support in actions across 13 states. Countdown rallies from Des Moines to Phoenix were planned as the expiration date neared, along with worksite demonstrations of support for the bargaining team. Earlier, members voted overwhelmingly to give CWA leaders authorization to call a strike if a fair contract cannot be reached, with 93 percent of voting members voting to authorize a strike

"The strike authorization vote demonstrates members' solid support for their bargaining team and their strong determination to achieve a fair settlement with Qwest," said District 7 Vice President Louise Caddell. For a strike to take place, the next step would be for CWA's executive board to authorize President Larry Cohen to set a strike date.

CWA members want a fair agreement with Qwest, one that recognizes the substantial sacrifices workers have made to help Qwest move forward. Among critical issues for workers at Qwest are health care and retirement security, quality jobs, and a fair wage increase.

CWA represents Qwest workers in Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Idaho, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.