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Contract explanation meetings are being scheduled and the bargaining committee has unanimously recommended ratification of the tentative settlement.

Meanwhile, the fight for a fair contract continues for CWA Local 6171 members whose contract at Century Tel Arkansas expired last August. The 169 workers are fighting back against the company's attack on seniority and recall rights, among other issues. Century Tel Arkansas presented a "final offer" to members that was overwhelmingly rejected by the membership, and the members fully support the efforts of the bargaining committee, said CWA Telecommunications Vice President Jimmy Gurganus. The committee continues to stand firm against management's demands and more mobilization actions are in the works.

The tentative Century Tel Missouri settlement provides for a 6.5 percent wage increase over the contract term, plus improvements in in-charge pay, night differential and compensated availability pay. For workers in some job titles, the wage increases will be paid as annual lump sum payments.

The agreement also protects workers' seniority rights and improves recall rights and force adjustment procedures in the event of a layoff. Current health care coverage, including retiree health care, was maintained. The pension plan for current workers remains unchanged; new hires as of March 12, 2008 will be covered under the Century Tel Retirement Plan.

The bargaining committee said the agreement "could not have been reached without the mobilization efforts of Century Tel members and locals."