Lucent workers voted to organize by 223-87, one of the largest manufacturing-sector unionization victories in Massachusetts in several years.
While AFL-CIO leaders welcomed the move as a possible sign of increasing support for unions in battered technology-sector companies, several observers noted that the Lucent election appeared to be a unique case in several respects.
For one, the CWA faced a far easier situation putting the organization move to a vote at Lucent than it would at most other companies.
The Murray Hill, N.J., telecommunications giant agreed in 1998 - when it had so much business it was eager to stave off labor unrest - to a neutrality pact with the CWA that makes it far quicker to hold organizing votes. The agreement also forbids Lucent from lobbying workers to oppose unionizing...”
In other words, given “unique” workplace organizing rights prevailing in most other advanced capitalist countries, US workers will vote union.
Complete story: http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/101/business/Lucent_workers_embrace_union+.shtml
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