In an outrageous tactic, Windstream is suing dozens of retirees who objected to the company's plans to cut back or eliminate their promised health care benefits. CWA represents more than 1,300 employees and 3,000 retirees at the company.

It was a set up. Windstream solicited retirees for comments about the cutbacks in a survey it mailed or distributed to them. Retirees were asked specifically whether they believed Windstream had the right to change, reduce, or eliminate promised benefits. Retirees who said "No" later were stunned to learn that they were named as defendants in a class action lawsuit that Windstream filed in U.S. District Court.

"This is one of the most ruthless actions I can ever recall a company taking against retirees or employees," said Telecommunications Vice President Jimmy Gurganus. "Imagine the shock each retiree experienced after receiving a summons with a warning that a lawsuit has been filed against them," he said.

More here: »www.cwa-union.org/news/entry/Win···are_Cuts