Qwest Communications International Inc. added 21 new positions to its Bismarck office, similar to the 58 positions scheduled to be cut by June, the company says.

"They are really the same positions that are there currently,"said Jennifer Barton, media relations manager.

The 58 positions that are being cut by June are in the Customer Financial Service Center, servicing mass markets, Barton said. At the time, the company said it would be consolidating operations for efficiency.

The new positions are for a Credit and Collection Center, servicing business markets group.

Barton said some of the workers at the original center took advantage of positions elsewhere in the company. The nearest similar call service center is in Minnesota.

The remainder of the workers must contact the company by the end of the day today if they are interested in the new positions.

Barton said pay is the same.

The 21 new jobs begin May 30, with the old jobs terminating in June, Barton said.

Qwest Communications employs about 300 people in North Dakota. The Denver-based company provides communications services in 14 states.

(Reach reporter Crystal R. Reid at 250-8261 or at crystal.reid@;bismarcktribune.com.)