Lucent retirees file lawsuit over health benefits

WASHINGTON-Lucent Technologies Inc. has been hit with a lawsuit by two retirees who allege the U.S. telecom network vendor cut back on health benefits in violation of federal law. “As a result of this willful violation of the terms of the medical and pension plans which incorporate the statutory requirements for the maintenance of benefits, tens of thousands of spouses of retirees have been deprived of medical coverage paid by Lucent,” stated the lawsuit filed Monday in federal court in New Jersey. Plaintiffs Peter A. Raetsch and Curtis C. Shiflett are seeking class certification. Mary Ward, a Lucent spokeswoman, said it is company policy not to comment on litigation. However, Ward said, “We do believe we’re in compliance [with the law].”