CWA Reaches Tentative Agreement at Hickory, NC November 14, 2005 Below are highlights of the tentative agreement reached at the Sprint - Hickory bargaining table. Effective date of June 1, 2005, Three year agreement. Sunday premium pay remains at time and one-half (1 1/2) rate for Sunday. Flexcare Basic Long Term paid by Company Cap at 10/15 retained through 2006; Cap at 15/20 for 2007. Savings Plan - No change with effective contract date for year 2005. Beginning 2006, match becomes 50%; 2007 - 40%; 2008 - 25% of the participant's bi-weekly contribution. Health and safety footwear expense increased to $185.00. Wage increases are 2.5% first year and 1.25% semi-annually for years 2 and 3. Company continues Long Term Disability (LTD). Short Term Disability (STD) changes are a reduction in the number of benefit weeks to 26 weeks. The first five (5) days to qualify for STD are covered by Personal Days (up to 2 years' service - 6 personal days; more than 2 years - 8 personal days). Guaranteed return to work leave upon medical approval. One-time opportunity during life of the contract to reset the 26 weeks provided return to work for 13 weeks. Pension bands are increased based on annual wage increase. Letter of Agreement on voluntary participation in incentive plan with no discipline attached. A complete copy of the language is being mailed to all Sprint Local Presidents via US Mail.