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6/2/03 - Tentative Agreement Reached!

IBEW, CWA Begin Contract Talks With Avaya

The IBEW and Communications Workers of America (CWA) have teamed for national negotiations with Avaya to replace a five-year agreement expiring on May 31.

Bargaining began on May 6 with the Lucent spin-off that operates and manufactures office phone systems and network products. The collective bargaining partnership represents 6,000 workers, including 1,700 IBEW members in New Jersey, New England, Illinois and Omaha, Nebraska.

The IBEW represents workers in both operations and manufacturing, with 1,100 members at the Omaha plant that Avaya is hoping to sell.

"Were trying to make sure that the worker protections in place now extend into the new contract," said lead IBEW negotiator and Local 827 member Dennis Slaman. "The company is trying to take those away to posture themselves for the sale."

After a full week of talks, negotiators said they are concerned about the fate of those plant workers and the fact the company has indicated its intention to reduce the rest of its workforce by 30 percent. Many Avaya proposals have been characterized as retrogressive, especially on the issues of health care and prescription drugs. The union negotiators are bracing for tough talks next week as they move into the subjects of pensions and retiree health care.

The bargaining team is headed by co-chairs Slaman and CWA Vice President Ralph Maly and includes IBEW International Representative Martha Pultar and Local 2222 members Bob Morrison and Michael Cleaves.

Although sales are lagging in the telecommunications industry as a whole and at Avaya in particular, recently announced positive earnings results have pushed the companys stock price higher than it has been in nearly a year.

As talks continue, the IBEW will post regular updates. Check here for the latest news.