AT&T cutting back on long-distance subsidy for managers

TRENTON, N.J. - AT&T will cut back on a long-standing program that provides some of its managers with discount long-distance service. <br> <br> The company would not say how much it will save when the subsidy program is reduced next month. The long-distance subsidy applies to 40,000 management workers and dates back to 1984. <br> <br> Managers can claim up to $67 a month in reimbursements on their AT&T calling plans, but that amount will drop to $20 as of June 1. To qualify for the reduced discount, employees have to sign up for online billing, which eliminates printing and mailing costs. <br> <br> &#34;It&#39;s still being offered, just on a lower scale,&#34; AT&T spokesman Jeff Roberts told The Star-Ledger of Newark for Thursday&#39;s editions. <br> <br> Union workers have their own subsidy, which is guaranteed by contract. A long-distance discount offered to company retirees also will not be affected. <br> <br>