Qwest and Communications Workers of America Announce Voluntary Separation Program Offered to Local Network Employees

Program Encompasses Hourly Workers Supporting Traditional Telephone Business

DENVER.– Qwest Communications International Inc. (NYSE: Q) and the Communications Workers of America have agreed to a voluntary separation program to be offered to certain employees in Qwest’s traditional local telephone business.
The program, which offers financial incentives based on years of service, would impact less than 2 percent of the company’s total work force. The program offer is expected to be completed March 27.
“Over the years, we have turned first to our natural attrition rate to balance the loss of traditional access lines,” said Bob Tregemba, Qwest’s executive vice president of Network Operations. “This program is part of our continuing effort to match our workforce to our work load.”
“We are always saddened by the loss of even one job, but the continued loss of access lines is a reality of the entire industry,” said Reed Roberts, Administrative Director to Vice President of CWA District 7. “With that in mind we are pleased that we were able to reach agreement with Qwest on a viable solution that addresses the reality of the marketplace and provides a voluntary opportunity for those of our members who were considering either retirement or moving to other endeavors.”
The company is committed to maintaining exceptional customer service levels and is proceeding with its broadband deployment plans, including fiber-to-the-node buildout.