AT&T and Union Reach Labor Deal for Southwest Wireline Employees

AT&T and the Communications Workers of America reached a new tentative labor agreement covering about 20,000 wireline employees in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas.

The four-year deal includes general wage increases in each year of the contract -- 2.25 percent the first year, 2.5 percent the second year, 2.75 percent the third year, and 3 percent the fourth year. It includes a 1 percent pension band increase in each year of the contract for most employees, and an expansion to additional employees of a guaranteed job offer provision that promises qualified surplus employees a guaranteed job opportunity with AT&T. It maintains one of the most robust health care plans in the nation, with increases in employee contributions.

AT&T said that if the new agreement is ratified on or before Feb. 27, 2013, a ratification bonus of $1,000 will be paid to each eligible employee. The agreement would be effective April 7, 2013 and expire April 8, 2017.

http://www.att.com/corewirelinebargaining