Verizon and IBEW in Western Washington and Oregon Reach Tentative Agreement on New Contract

EVERETT, Wash. - Verizon Communications reached a tentative agreement late Friday on a new three-year contract with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Local 89.

The tentative agreement, reached more than 40 days before the existing contract expires May 18, covers 2,105 employees in western Washington and Oregon. Once ratified, the new agreement will become effective May 19.

"This tentative agreement provides competitive wages and benefits for our employees in the Northwest and provides Verizon the flexibility and capabilities necessary to succeed in a highly competitive environment," said Fonda Downs, manager of Verizon labor relations for the Northwest. "The provisions of this contract will allow us to raise our standards of performance and workplace productivity, enabling us to provide even better service to our customers."

The tentative agreement covers only employees represented by the IBEW -- principally technicians and representatives -- who work in communities such as Everett, Lynnwood, Redmond, Wash.; and Gresham, Beaverton and Coos Bay, Ore.

The IBEW will submit the tentative agreement to its membership for ratification within the next two weeks.

Verizon Communications

Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) is one of the world's leading providers of communications services. Verizon companies are the largest providers of wireline and wireless communications in the United States, with 132.1 million access line equivalents and 29.4 million wireless customers. Verizon is also the largest directory publisher in the world. With more than $67 billion in annual revenues and approximately 247,000 employees, Verizon's global presence extends to more than 40 countries in the Americas, Europe, Asia and the Pacific. For more information on Verizon, visit www.verizon.com.