Former Lucent workers sue former employer

Retired Lucent employees have filed a $25 million class action suit against their former employer and union, claiming the telecom equipment vendor collaborated with union leaders in tricking 1,100 workers into accepting watered down retirement packages.

The suit, filed on behalf of 450 workers by plaintiffs Paul Fici and Anthony Boremi, alleges the Communications Workers Union Local 1365 encouraged Lucent workers last spring to accept a retirement packing knowing full well Lucent would offer a better package to workers in the fall. The lawsuit also alleges Lucent told workers that no better benefits package was being considered at the time.

Speaking to the Wall Street Journal, a spokesman for the union refuted the allegations against its leaders, saying the union did not know about the better package until it was offered.

--Kevin Fitchard, staff writer