I tend to disagree with you on the Lucent statement.
Lucent main issue was not the union, it was and still is they have no management that knows how to compete in a competitive market(back in the late 90's way too many AT&T cronies). I worked there for 5 years starting in 97 (was in management, not the union)and had never seen a company so slow, and so poorly managed. Very slow and poorly desinged project teams, lack of cost reduction upfront in new products, and way too many people overall who like you said didn't work and had no real jobs. Union there IMO was a small factor in their issues.
Side note, has anyone gone to a GM dealer and seen pricing? Sounds like everyone gets the A plan right now.