Alcatel-Lucent Pre-Bargaining Update

Formal Bargaining between CWA and Alcatel-Lucent will begin May 6, 2014 at 1:00 PM in Washington, D.C.  Due to the many issues facing us since this is the first full contract bargained since 2004, we agreed to early informal discussions, which began this month.  No formal negotiations have taken place and no formal proposals have been passed by either side.

There should be no surprise, since CEO Michel Combes unveiled his Shi(f)t Plan, that this company is looking to make significant changes on its way to pay off its debt and reach profitability.  Every sector of the company has been hit and clearly the company is looking to make big changes in installation also.  Your bargaining team has and will work hard to protect the Installation group and preserve as many jobs and as much of our contract as we possibly can and also fight for the changes and gains that you need. Unlike the 13,000 we bargained for in 2004 we are now bargaining for a little over 1,000 Installers.

We all should understand how difficult this bargaining will be, not just because of the state of Alcatel-Lucent, but the general economic and political situation in this country. We need the support of every member. Your Mobilization Committee, made up of five local presidents from around the country, will be planning activities for you to participate in. It is important that all of you step up to the task.

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