Union rejects Qwest's contract proposal

The Communications Workers of America and Denver-based Qwest Communications International Inc. said they would meet in the coming days to schedule further contract talks.

The union represents about 20,000 Qwest employees in 13 states.

Neither the union nor Qwest released vote totals, but CWA organizing coordinator Al Kogler said: "It wasn't close."

He said union officials would be calling union locals to review members' objections.

Union members had authorized a strike after the previous contract expired Aug. 16, but they have continued working.

The CWA represents Qwest workers in Colorado, Arizona, Iowa, Idaho, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.

Qwest employees in Montana are represented by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, whose members also have continued working despite an expired contract, Qwest spokesman Bob Toevs said.

Qwest said it remains "completely operational."

The telecommunications company said the contract proposal included raises of more than 9 percent over three years and an increase in pension benefits for new retirees. It would have increased base pay of sales staff and added a monthly premium for health coverage. Previously, employees paid only enrollment fees.