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The Latest: Verizon union says pact protects American jobs

NEW YORK (AP) - The Latest on a tentative agreement to end a strike by nearly 40,000 Verizon workers (all times local):

1:05 p.m.

A union that represents about a quarter of some 40,000 striking Verizon workers says a tentative agreement ending the walkout is protecting American jobs amid concern about jobs moving overseas.

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers joined the Communication Workers of America union and Verizon in unveiling the pact Monday. They had reached an agreement in principle Friday but didn't release details or a return-to-work date until Monday. The agreement is subject to approval by union members.

It includes 1,300 new call center jobs and nearly 11 percent in raises over four years. It also makes health care plan changes to save the company money.

The IBEW says stemming outsourcing was a major issue, and the agreement "makes a lot of progress."

Strikers are due back at work Wednesday.

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10:25 a.m.

Verizon says a tentative agreement to end one of the largest strikes in the U.S. in recent years is good for both employees and the business.

The company and the Communications Workers of America union announced the tentative pact Monday and said employees would return to work Wednesday.

The deal includes 1,300 new call center jobs and nearly 11 percent in raises over four years, while also making health care plan changes to save the company money. Verizon and workers had reached an agreement in principle Friday but hadn't released details or a return-to-work date.

Union members will vote on the deal after returning to work. About 10,000 are represented by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers union, which hasn't immediately responded to a request for comment.

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9:45 a.m.

A union says nearly 40,000 striking Verizon employees will return to work Wednesday after reaching a tentative contract agreement. It includes 1,300 new call center jobs, nearly 11 percent in raises over four years and the first contract for Verizon wireless store workers.

The Communications Workers of America union announced the tentative pact Monday with Verizon Communications Inc. They'd reached an agreement in principle Friday but hadn't released details or a date for the workers' return from one of the largest strikes in the United States in recent years.

New York-based Verizon has no immediate comment. Union members will vote on the deal after returning to work.

Landline and cable employees in nine Eastern states and Washington, D.C., struck in mid-April. Other workers stepped in, but there were some holdups.

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