The Communications Workers of America announced it had reached a tentative settlement with Qwest last night that achieved the union’s major objectives.

The agreement, which covers 25,000 Qwest employees, must now be ratified by union members.

Among the provisions in the agreement:

• Mandatory overtime remains capped at eight hours per week.
• A wage increase of 7.5% over the three-year term of the contract.
• Employees and retirees retain employer-paid health care, with some changes in out-of-pocket costs, such as an enrollment fee for spouses.

CWA Vice President Annie Hill said the agreement is a fair contract for employees. “It’s very important to our members that Qwest acknowledge the value they bring to this company, and this agreement does that,” she said.

More information from CWA press release.