NEW YORK — Verizon Communications Inc. announced yesterday it would stop contributing to pension plans for managers, a move that would save about $3 billion over the next 10 years.

The company said those employees will retain pension benefits they have already earned, and on June 30, 2006, receive an 18-month enhancement to the value of their pension and retiree medical benefits.

Verizon did not specify how many employees were affected, but The New York Times and Wall Street Journal said the restructuring involved 50,000 managers.

Verizon said it would increase matching dollars for its 401(k) plan for those employees, as well as for MCI managers who join Verizon after Verizon's purchase of MCI Inc.

The changes will not affect current retirees. Management employees hired after Jan. 1, 2006, will not earn pension benefits.