Setting the table for a merger unlikely to see much regulatory interference, Lucent and Alcatel shareholders approved their companies' $10.8 billion takeover deal at shareholder meetings last week, though by slimmer than expected margins in each case. Lucent's shareholders approved the buyout with 51.97% of the vote Thurs. and labor was an active participant in dissent at the Lucent meeting. The Communications Workers of America (CWA) handed out leaflets before the meeting, skewered Lucent management, and presumably led the vote against the merger. CWA Vp Ralph May said 搊ur members and retirees have huge concerns with the direction Lucent is going and the future of our jobs, healthcare and pensions.?Despite a 2-1 vote in favor by Alcatel shareholders, labor could become a much bigger issue for Alcatel, said Medley Global Advisors analyst Jessica Zufolo. 揋iven the leverage the labor movement has in France as opposed to here,?she said, 搕he likelihood of layoffs... is going to anger some.?/font>
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