Tentative deal reached between Bell Aliant and Atlantic Canada employees

FREDERICTON, N.B. -  Planned job cuts at Bell Aliant in Atlantic Canada reported earlier this month may not happen after all.

The telecommunications provider and its union have reached a tentative deal.

The company had announced they would begin cost-cutting intiatives, including jobs cuts and closing three of the five contact centres in Atlantic Canada.

If the deal is approved, the centres would remain open, at least for the life of the contract, which would run out in December of 2014.

The agreement also includes a wage increase for 2011, then wage freezes for the next three years, in exchange for job security.

The deal will be voted on through mail, with votes counted September 15th.