Qwest Named Five-Star Employer in Support of National Guard and Reserve Employees in Utah

SALT LAKE CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Qwest Communications announced today that it earned a Statement of Support from Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) as a “Five-Star Employer” in Utah. This is the highest honor ESGR awards to companies for their support of employees in the National Guard and Reserve.

“We are gratified that Qwest employees know that while they are serving their country they do not have to worry about their civilian jobs”

In addition to keeping jobs available for returning employees, Qwest offers differential pay when military pay is lower than an employee’s normal salary, and the company keeps most benefits in force during a leave of absence.

“We are gratified that Qwest employees know that while they are serving their country they do not have to worry about their civilian jobs,” said James G. Martin, ESGR chairman for Utah.

Qwest also maintains contact with service members and their families and helps in other ways, including organizing drives to collect comfort items for shipment to U.S. personnel serving in the armed forces.

“Employees are the backbone of our company, and we go to great lengths to support them and their families as they serve their country,” said Jerry Fenn, Qwest president for Utah.

The Five-Star Statement of Support confirms that Qwest:

• Promotes training for managers and supervisors to effectively manage its employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.
• Signed a Statement of Support publicly demonstrating its support for its employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.
• Reviewed its human resources policies to ensure compliance with the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (USERRA).
• Adopted polices and programs that are “Above and Beyond” what is required by the USERRA Law.
• Is an advocate for employee service in the National Guard and Reserve and will help to promote the mission of ESGR.

About Qwest

Qwest offers a unique and powerful combination of managed voice and data solutions for businesses, government agencies and consumers – locally and throughout the country. Customers coast to coast are turning to Qwest's industry-leading national fiber optic network and its Spirit of Service for quality products and superior customer experience. Qwest is a participant in Networx, the largest communications services contract in the world, to provide leading-edge voice, data and video services. For more information on Qwest, and its various operating subsidiaries, please go to www.qwest.com. For information about the products and services Qwest is offering in the Networx contract, visit www.gsanetworx.com

About ESGR

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972. The mission of ESGR is to gain and maintain active support from all public and private employers for the men and women of the National Guard and Reserve. ESGR volunteers provide free education, consultation, and if necessary mediation for employers of guard and reserve employees. As the 1.2 million members of the National Guard and Reserve continue to perform an increasing number of unique missions that require extraordinary actions on the part of everyday citizens, ESGR will continue to be the informational agency for the employers of America’s new Minutemen. More information about ESGR employer outreach programs and volunteer opportunities is available at www.esgr.mil.

The Qwest logo is a registered trademark of Qwest Communications International Inc. in the U.S. and certain other countries.