Opening Statement from the Avaya Bargaining Committee

We come to these negotiations with a clear goal: to reach a fair and equitable contract that recognizes the contributions of our members, while also acknowledging the economic realities facing both our workforce and the Company.

We understand that these are challenging economic times. Inflation has increased the cost of housing, food, healthcare, transportation, and virtually every other basic expense. Our members are feeling that pressure every day. Their wages and benefits must reflect these economic realities and the increasing cost of living.

At the same time, we recognize the Company’s responsibility to remain competitive and financially responsible. We are prepared to have a constructive and meaningful conversation about the Company’s challenges, priorities, and long-term needs. However, we also believe it is important to recognize a fundamental fact: the Company remains profitable, and that profitability is made possible, in large part, by the hard work, dedication, and productivity of its employees.

Our members have continued to show up, perform their jobs, adapt to changing demands, and contribute to the Company’s success - even during difficult economic conditions. They have earned the opportunity to share fairly in the success they help create.

Our objective in these negotiations is not simply to ask for more. Our objective is to establish a contract that is fair, sustainable, and equitable - one that provides employees with meaningful improvements in wages, benefits, working conditions, and job security, while allowing the Company to remain successful and competitive.

We expect these negotiations to be respectful, honest, transparent, and based on facts. We are prepared to listen, negotiate in good faith, and consider reasonable solutions. At the same time, we will advocate strongly for our members and for a contract that recognizes their value and the contributions they make every day.

A profitable company and a fairly compensated workforce are not competing goals. They should go hand in hand. When employees are treated fairly, valued appropriately, and able to keep pace with the cost of living, the Company benefits from a stronger, more committed, and more productive workforce.

We are here to negotiate a contract that reflects that principle. We are committed to reaching an agreement that is fair to our members, responsible for the Company, and worthy of the people whose work continues to make the company successful.