CenturyLink, union fail to reach labor agreement

DENVER (AP) ? CenturyLink and the union representing 13,000 workers in 13 states in the West and Midwest have failed to reach a contract agreement, but agreed to a day-to-day extension of the expired pact.

The Communications Workers of America made the announcement after the existing labor contract just before midnight Saturday.

CWA spokesman Al Kogler said in a statement that negotiations will continue and workers will remain on the job during the extension.

Kogler has said the union opposes a proposed increase in health care premiums and wants to bring more jobs back to the U.S. The union had authorized a strike in the event that a new deal couldn't be reached with the Monroe, La.-based telecommunications company.

CenturyLink workers in Montana, who are negotiating a separate contract, agreed to the extension.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/495d344a0d10421e9baa8ee77029cfbd/Article_2012-10-07-CenturyLink%20Strike/id-fc23ded8522a4eb780cef7f1d8500570

whcd 2012 nfl draft kevin durant jazz fest zurich classic selena lamichael james