CenturyTel cuts 10 jobs in Kalispell

Firm eliminates about 275 positions nationwide in restructuring move

The Daily Inter Lake

CenturyTel cut 10 positions Wednesday in Montana in a companywide "business realignment."

All of the jobs were in Kalispell, a company representative said.

"It's a realignment of our business and structuring our organization to most efficiently serve the market, serve our customers," said Kim Valiquette, public affairs manager for CenturyTel's Midwest region.

CenturyTel cut about 4 percent of its work force, or about 275 positions, nationwide, Valiquette said. Not all of those positions were filled, she added, so this doesn't necessarily mean 275 people lost their jobs.

The changes are not expected to affect customers, and the company hopes the move will make it more competitive.

"To operate more efficiently, we have made the difficult decision to close some technical and support centers, and to eliminate certain positions," Glen F. Post III, CenturyTel chairman and chief executive officer, said in a press release.

"These changes position the company to meet the challenges of increased competition."

In addition to Montana, the job cuts took place in 12 other states: Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Oregon, Tennessee, Washington and Wisconsin.