Labor Unions in Colorado Begin Contract Negotiations with Telecommunications Companies

Strategic Insights -

Labor unions representing over 4,000 workers in Colorado have begun contract negotiations with two of the nation's largest telecommunications companies, Lucent Technologies and AT&T. The Communications Workers of America and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers union kicked off negotiations with Lucent Technologies on Monday, marking the first time the union and the company have sat at a bargaining table. The union has been in negotiations with AT&T since April 6, representing 673 workers, and is set to begin negotiations with U S West in June.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 4,000 workers in Colorado are represented by the Communications Workers of America and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers union.
  • The union has been in negotiations with AT&T since April 6, representing 673 workers, and is set to begin negotiations with U S West in June.
  • Lucent Technologies and the union have never negotiated a contract before, although the company was spun off from AT&T in 1996.
  • Union officials are cautiously optimistic about negotiations with Lucent, despite already experiencing tensions over bargaining locations.
  • Training, workplace conditions, company recognition of union representation, increased benefits and wages, and increased retiree benefits and pay are top priorities for the unions.
  • A tight labor market makes this a good time for the unions to negotiate new contracts, according to Tom Watkins, professor of management and expert in labor relations for the University of Denver's Daniels College of Business.

Statistics:

  • 4,000: The number of workers in Colorado represented by the Communications Workers of America and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers union.
  • 3,350: The number of workers in Colorado represented by the Communications Workers of America and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers union combined.
  • 673: The number of workers represented by the union in negotiations with AT&T.
  • 15 percent: The percentage of costs Lucent technicians are seeking to reduce through labor cost reductions.
  • 1996: The year Lucent Technologies was spun off from AT&T.
  • 30: The day in May when the current contracts with Lucent Technologies and AT&T expire.

Sources:

  • Conklin, Michele. "Labor unions in Colorado set to begin contract talks with telecommunications companies." Rocky Mountain News. 2000.