CenturyLink/Qwest Commits to Job Security, Broadband Build-Out

CWA’s discussions with CenturyLink, the company formed by the acquisition between CenturyLink and Qwest Communications, have resulted in management agreeing to provide greater job security for workers and to invest in broadband buildout, especially in rural and other underserved areas.

The agreement follows months of talks between CWA and the companies. CWA had filed objections with public service commissions in several states over the acquisition and its potentially adverse impact on quality service and jobs. With CenturyLink’s agreement to secure jobs and investment, CWA dropped its opposition to the merger.

Job security is a major issue for the 14,000 CWA-represented workers at Qwest and 3,700 at CenturyLink.There are about 20,000 non-union workers at CenturyLink.