May 19, 2006
Today the Avaya bargaining unit members have voted overwhelmingly by a 96% vote to authorize the CWA Leadership to call a strike against Avaya if a fair contract cannot be reached.  This show of solidarity will send a clear message to the company bargainers that they need to bargain seriously with CWA.  Our resolve is strong.  Our strike fund is healthy.  Our members are ready to do whatever it takes to reach an agreement they deserve.

In Unity,
Ralph V. Maly, Jr.
Vice President

May 19, 2006

News from the Communications Workers of America
For Release May 19, 2006

CWA Members Vote Strike Authorization at Avaya

Washington, D.C. - Members of the Communications Workers of America at Avaya voted overwhelmingly to give CWA leaders authorization to call a strike if a fair contract cannot be reached. Members authorized strike action by a 96 percent vote.

Negotiations currently are underway for a new contract covering nearly 2,900 CWA-represented workers, and workers represented by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, who are voting now on strike authorization. The contract expires May 27.

In announcing the results, CWA Vice President Ralph Maly, Communications and Technologies, said the overwhelming vote sends a strong message to Avaya that workers are serious about changing the anti-union and anti-customer attitude that has permeated the company.

"Our goal is to reach a fair agreement, but that won’t happen until Avaya addresses some very critical issues, especially jobs, employment security and health care. Our members have been on board at Avaya since day one, and we want the company to succeed. But that means that management must recognize the need to keep quality jobs, stop outsourcing our work and maintain quality health care. Success at this company shouldn’t only benefit top executives," Maly said.

Larger locations include customer service workers in Atlanta, Oklahoma City and the Denver area. Other Avaya workers are in Anaheim, Calif., Dallas and Houston, Tex., Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio, and the New York City metro area.