Ellen Schultz, a reporter for The Wall Street Journal who has written about Lucent retirees in the past, published two outstanding stories in the November 10, 2004 issue (click here).  The story with the headlined "When Retirees Sue An Ex-Employer" describes the four-year courageous efforts by GenCorp retirees' lawsuit to restore lost health care benefits.  The other story with the headline: "Companies Sue Union Retirees To Cut Promised Health Benefits" cites cases where companies have sued retired former union members in order to reduce or eliminate health care benefits committed to in labor agreements.
 
After reading these articles, LRO members may wonder whether "justice" is possible for retirees through our judicial system.  It seems that the system has stacked the deck against retirees.  Employers and their lawyers seem to be holding all the high cards and time is on the corporations' side.  The longer a corporation can keep issues tied up in the courts the more likely it is that retirees will suffer and the companies will gain an advantage.
 
The lesson the LRO takes from these "case study" articles is that a strong retiree organization is necessary to deal with major corporations.  They also teaches us that the judicial system is a long and treacherous road.  Therefore, the LRO has elected to take a multiple strategy approach toward addressing retiree issues with Lucent.  While the LRO has placed an expert ERISA attorney under retainer and is providing documents to support the three lawsuits that retirees have filed against Lucent due to its elimination of the Death Benefit, we are also directing our efforts into other areas.  We are endeavoring to engage federal agencies, such as the Securities And Exchange Commission to look into the soundness of the Lucent pension and benefit trust funds.  We are working with a number of other retiree organizations to get legislation passed to protect our pension and benefits.  And we are constantly talking with reporters to get stories written so that all Americans will support corrective actions to prevent corporations from shirking the commitments made to their retirees.
 
The 8th paragraph of the second article states: "The retirees, by contrast, often find themselves in a bind -- unsure of their recourse and facing, as they age, the court system's typical long waits for legal resolution. The U.S. Labor Department is of little help. Retired workers "aren't our constituents anymore," says a spokeswoman for the department."  If the statement by the DOL spokeswoman that retired workers aren't our constituents anymore upsets you, you might want to write to President Bush and suggest that he replace Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao in his new administration with someone who will protect the interests of retirees.  Send a copy of your letter to Secretary Chao. (Click here for President Bush's and Secretary Chao's contact information.) 
 
If these stories stirs your emotions, I hope you'll take some action.  By being a dues-paying member of the LRO you have only taken the first step toward advocating the rights of retirees.  When you volunteer your time and talents toward the work of the LRO, you are making an even more significant contribution toward our good faith efforts to protect our own pensions and benefits and those of other retired Americans.  Your involvement is needed.  Click on this link lro_message@lucentretirees.com and tell us how you want to become more involved with the LRO. 
 
Ken Raschke, LRO President