Qwest reaches labor agreement with 2 unions

DENVER -- Qwest Communications International Inc. has reached a tentative agreement with its largest union about a day after a labor contract had expired, both sides said early Monday.

The Denver-based Qwest came to terms on a three-year deal with the Communications Workers of America, which represents about 20,000 of its employees in 13 states.

Qwest also reached a tentative agreement with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, which represents the company's employees in Montana.

Details of the two contracts were not released.

CWA members had voted to authorize a strike, but none was called when the contract expired after 11:59 p.m. Saturday.

The agreements come a little more than a week before the start of the Democratic National Convention in Denver, where Qwest is providing phone and Internet services. Qwest also is providing service to the Republican National Convention that begins Sept. 1 in St. Paul, Minn.

CWA organizing coordinator Al Kogler said no disruptions were expected for the conventions.

Kogler said it would be a few weeks before union members vote on the new contract.