Avaya Members Mobilize as Contract Deadline Nears

CWA members at Avaya voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike if a fair contract cannot be reached. The current contract expires May 27, and the parties remain far apart on critical issues for CWA workers, including jobs and health care, said CWA Vice President Ralph Maly, communications and technologies.

Members voted for the strike authorization by a 96 percent vote.

CWAers stepped up their mobilization actions this week, with demonstrations at FedEx Kinko's, where some Avaya workers directly report to work, and other outlets. Local 7777 members wore black from head to toe mourning the loss of quality customer service due to Avaya's policies.

And across the call centers, workers suffered strong reactions to Avaya's unacceptable health care proposals. In Atlanta, Oklahoma City, Florida and other locations, workers used bandages, crutches and aspirin packets and in many call centers had loud and prolonged periods of sneezing and coughing during the workday. 

CWA represents about 2,900 workers at Avaya, with another 600 represented by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.