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CWA-Avaya Contract Negotiations Break Down |
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Tuesday, 19 August 2008 |
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Here is another example of a company requesting early negotiations to extend their contract and then bushwhacking our members with requests to push healthcare costs and premiums on our retiree’s. This is the pattern of corporate America; their plan is to abandon their healthcare plans and push these expenses on those who can least afford it while their executives increase their own bonuses, benefits and wages. We need to be prepared for the tough negotiations we will be facing at AT&T in April 2009 and let the company know now that we will be standing together for a fair and just contract.
The CWA, IBEW and Avaya met recently to explore the possibility of extending the current collective bargaining agreement. The parties had agreed prior, they would only address wages, pensions and Job Security. However, after two days of meeting, it was apparent that Avaya was not going to live up to their agreement. They proposed having our retirees begin paying for their healthcare during the life of the extension at an estimated $165 per month. In addition, Avaya made the healthcare proposal a condition of any extension. As a result of the retrogressive bargaining, the unions rejected the company’s proposals. The current contract expires May 23, 2009 covering approximately 2300 active employees and thousands of retirees. Based on what Avaya attempted, it’s clear where they are headed in the next round of bargaining. It’s important that our members and retirees understand the challenges before us. CWA and IBEW will begin monthly mobilization activities as we head towards the May deadline. |
