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AVAYA Bargaining 2006 Opening Remarks
Bob Morrison – IBEW Lead Negotiator

May 1, 2006

Today we sit here in unity to begin a process that will lead to a new collective bargaining agreement between the IBEW, CWA and AVAYA Inc. This will replace the very first agreement bargained in 2003.

The relationship or lack of between the company and unions as well as some of the company’s actions over the last few years has made me believe that this process is going to be similar to negotiations with Nynex in 1989 which, resulted in a sixteen-week strike.

The issues back then are what I’m sure will be the issues today; healthcare, pensions, wages and outsourcing. Nynex chose to be the first and only one of the RBOCs to draw a line in the sand. A lot of time has passed since then, but the wounds on both sides are deep and have never healed. I believe we can and must do better.

Under the strong leadership of President Hill, the IBEW is committed to having a positive relationship with its employers to work together in a true partnership. We as union members want the company to be profitable and to be at the top of their industry. The company’s goal is to please its investors. The union’s goal is all about jobs.

Let us now begin the bargaining process and together negotiate a fair and just contract; one that puts both of us on a clear and distinct path toward achieving our goals. Thank you.