Bell Atlantic in settlement with CWA; two-year pact gives union a role in growing lines like data networking
Article Abstract:
A tentative, two-year labor accord between Bell Atlantic and the Communications Workers of America (CWA) union ended a two-day strike by eastern US telephone workers. The 73,000 CWA members who work at Bell Atlantic from Maine to Virginia must ratify the deal by Sep 1998. CWA won the right to influence data networking and Internet services, which are among the fast-growing Bell Atlantic operations in an evolving telecommunications industry. Bell Atlantic in return would be allowed to outsource for contractors when no qualified in-house expertise is available. Financial terms call for CWA wages to rise by up to 3.8% retroactive to Aug 9, 1998, and as much as 4% effective Aug 8, 1999. The settlement not only would boost pension by 11% to 20%, it also would lower the amount of mandatory overtime work. Questions have arisen over whether the labor agreement would weaken Bell Atlantic from a competitive standpoint.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1998
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Bell Atlantic, union keep talking as walkout enters a second day
Article Abstract:
Bell Atlantic extended negotiations with the Communications Workers of America (CWA) union in hopes of ending a two-day strike by telephone operators, repair technicians and other employees. Both sides sought to complete new three-year deals for approximately 73,000 CWA members and could announce a settlement as soon as today, according to insiders. Bell Atlantic, meanwhile, has assigned emergency repairs and other key tasks to 23,500 managers. Outstanding issues remained unclear, but the CWA aims to extend its unionization to operations in the Baby Bell's new and future telecommunications ventures such as data networking, Internet access and international services. Differences between the sides cover union recognition, forced overtime and outsourcing, the CWA has said. By comparison, 1980s strikes centered on health-insurance premiums, wage increases and firings.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1998
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
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