Alcatel-Lucent Considers Shutting Nth Carolina Factory in Cost Saving Measure

Alcatel-Lucent is reported to be preparing to close a factory which specializes in switching equipment based in Charlotte, North Carolina and switch production to one of two factories close to the Arizona-Mexico border. The local Charlotte Observer newspaper says that the move could cost nearly 225 jobs in the area.

Alcatel-Lucent spokeswoman, Denise Panyik-Dale confirmed: "We are in discussions with the union, but it is too early to say what is happening,"

The company told workers at the factory that it had tentative plans to close the facility as part of a cost cutting measure, but has given the union the opportunity to come up with an alternative option. Most of the workers at the Charlotte plant are members of the Communications Workers of America.

Any negotiations is expected to take up to six months to conclude. The factory was originally part of AT&T, later Lucent Technologies.

On the web: Charlotte Observer

Posted to the site on 13th June 2008