Related Articles

Avaya Bargaining
Update #4

May 4, 2006

Today the company presented proposals for Active employee medical and dental plans. While we were anticipating retrogressive demands, the plans presented by Avaya were the most insulting we have ever seen. Not only were they proposing increases in co-pays of over 100% but they want you to pay a premium during the Open Enrollment period each year. Under Avaya's proposal employees will have to pay a fee of $1200.00 in 2007, $1320.00 in 2008 and $1440.00 in 2009 just to enroll in the medical plan. The proposal for the prescription drug plan was just as regressive with increases of over 100% in co-pays for Retail and Mail Order which went from $35 to $165. To keep dental coverage they want you to pay a fee of $240.00 in 2007, $288.00 in 2008 and $336.00 in 2009.

Tomorrow the company will present proposals on Reimbursement Accounts, Disability, Domestic Partner Benefits and Leaves of Absence.

A joint sub-committee met with the Company to hear their concept on a Certification program. We told the company although we were not opposed to hearing it. We wanted certain issues resolved before going forward with discussions on this issue.

Updates will be posted at the end of the session.

In Unity,

Your Bargaining Team