Strike Fever: Verizon Off, Qwest Possibly On

On the same day Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ) avoided a strike, Qwest Communications International Inc. (Q) union workers got the go-ahead to walk off the job if talks don’t produce a new contract.

Verizon workers were ready to walk today, but they settled on a deal yesterday. The terms include Verizon continuing to pay 100 percent of employees’ and retirees’ health insurance premiums.

Meanwhile, the permission for Qwest employees to strike comes just three weeks before the Democratic National Convention – for which Qwest is the official communications services provider – is set to begin in Denver. Aha! Could this be a Republican-masterminded conspiracy? Well, if it is, McCain’s folks will be sorely disappointed – Qwest says a work stoppage wouldn’t interfere with its DNC commitments.

Sources

New York Times: Verizon and 2 Unions Agree on 3-Year Contract, Averting Strike

Reuters: Qwest union votes to authorize strike

BusinessWeek: Qwest union OKs strike if contract talks sour

CBS: Qwest: Strike Won’t Affect Democratic Convention

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