Alcatel Lucent Workers Worldwide Protest Company Actions

Alcatel Lucent workers marched through the streets of Paris this week in a continuing worldwide protest by workers against the company's plan to cut 12,500 jobs.

Joining the 3,000 French demonstrators were Alcatel Lucent workers from Italy, Germany, Spain and other countries where the company is threatening to cut jobs.

CWA Vice President Ralph Maly, Communications and Technologies, sent a message of solidarity and support, calling the company's actions "anti-worker and anti-community."

Alcatel Lucent is pressing to get rid of union workers wherever it can as it follows what clearly is a flawed business plan that has resulted in the failure to make needed investments; weakening of critical research and development capabilities; outsourcing increasing amounts of production to low-wage countries; an ever growing list of laid-off workers and absurdly high executive pay and perks, Maly said.

"Our ability to successfully resist the destructive strategy that Alcatel-Lucent is pursuing depends on united action and mutual support. We stand with you in solidarity and know that you stand with us as well," he said.