Avaya's Refusal to Arbitrate Results in Win for Local 1101

To:  All Local Presidents representing members at Avaya

We have just received word that Avaya agreed to an out-of-court settlement with Local 1101 in New York after the Local filed an Unfair Labor Practice charge.  Local 1101 requested to arbitrate an issue related to job/work opportunities for members who worked at Avaya.  Avaya refused to arbitrate the issue, so the Local filed a complaint in federal court to compel arbitration.  At the same time, they filed an Unfair Labor Practice charge against Avaya.  After the Board deferred the case to arbitration, Avaya agreed to settle the case.  As a result of the settlement, 113 employees in the Local 1101 New York area will receive $1,500 per employee.  Based on the agreement, the Local withdrew the NLRB charge.

Although Avaya did not admit any wrongdoing, they made a settlement offer to make the case go away.  Sometimes justice does prevail!

Congratulations to President Joe Connolly, Richie Meringolo, and the others in the Local who pursued this to a satisfactory conclusion.

In Unity,

Gerald W. Souder
CWA Representative

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