October 10, 2013
By Stephanie West
Marion, Ohio – Members of the Communications Workers of America (CWA) in five Midwest states ratified a labor agreement with Frontier Communications (FTR), said Senior Vice President and General Manager Dave Davidson.
The contract, finalized Sept. 24 after almost seven months of negotiations, affects more than 1,100 employees, including 574 employees in Ohio. The new contract also covers employees in Indiana, Wisconsin, Illinois and Michigan. The ratified contract expires in February 2017.
The Ohio CWA Locals — 4371, 4372, 4373, 4375, 4377, 4378, 4379, 4385 – primarily represent technicians serving Frontier customers throughout the state and nearly 300 workers at the company's call center and state headquarters in Marion. Davidson says the contract will help Frontier remain competitive and enhance customer service while continuing to provide good wages and benefits to its union employees.
Davidson said bargaining teams for the company and union addressed issues that were priorities for both parties and took into consideration the intense competition in the telecommunications industry.
"Facing an increasingly competitive business environment, the CWA and Frontier worked together to reach a contract that was satisfactory to both parties," Davidson said. "Both sides recognized that we are in this together, and the ratification is a 'win-win' outcome for employees, customers and the company's future."
