Tentative Pact at Cincinnati Bell Saves 440 from Outsourcing

A tentative contract between Cincinnati Bell and CWA Locals 4400 and 4401 preserves the jobs of 440 call center service reps whose jobs had been targeted for outsourcing, provides for returning previously outsourced jobs, and protects health benefits.

"This was a very difficult situation and we were pleased to have reached an agreement that would save our members' jobs," said District 4 Vice President Seth Rosen.

The 3-year settlement, reached Feb. 2, covers some 1,300 workers. It maintains existing health care coverage and increases the workers' pension band. The agreement provides cumulative wage increases of 4.5 percent payable in the second and third years.  About 500 workers would be eligible for an early retirement package if their age plus years of service equaled at least 75.

Cincinnati Bell had requested early negotiations with CWA in advance of a planned restructuring, according to staff representative Monica Hogan, who assisted the locals during negotiations. "We were faced with tough decisions, but we believe that this agreement, subject to members' approval, addresses both our concern to retain jobs, protect health care and enable growth for the company."