NEW YORK (AP) - A union that represents about a quarter of some 40,000 striking Verizon workers says a tentative agreement ending the walkout is protecting American jobs amid concern about jobs moving overseas.
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers joined the Communication Workers of America union and Verizon in unveiling the pact Monday. They had reached an agreement in principle Friday but didn't release details or a return-to-work date until Monday.
The agreement is subject to approval by union members. It includes 1,300 new call center jobs and nearly 11 percent in raises over four years. It also makes health care plan changes to save the company money.
The IBEW says stemming outsourcing was a major issue, and the agreement "makes a lot of progress."
Strikers are due back at work Wednesday.
