AT&T, Southwest Workers Strike Deal

AT&T and the Communications Workers of America have taken a big step toward wrapping up their nationwide contract dispute that’s lasted for months. The two sides have tentatively agreed to a new, four-year deal that covers 26,000 employees in the southwestern U.S.

The deal gives workers a 3 percent salary increase the first two years and slightly less than that in the third and fourth years. They’ll also get 2 percent increases in pension bands each year. A COLA is possible in the fourth year as well, based on the consumer price index. Health-care coverage will continue, with employees picking up part of the tab. The agreement still needs to be ratified.

The only regions left to come to terms with AT&T are the Southeast and Connecticut.