skip to content

GE Locals Told to Be Ready for a Strike

Ft. Myers, Fla.

Bob Santamoor, chairman of the IUE-CWA GE and Aerospace Conference Board, delivered a strong warning that GE locals should begin preparing for a strike even before contract talks open May 21.

"GE CEO Jeff Immelt is ready to take us on in this contract," Santamoor stated. "We need to be ready for every contingency. If we can't beat the company at the bargaining table, we need to be ready to beat them on the streets."

Santamoor outlined some of the more prominent contentious issues for the 2007 talks:

  • Elimination of SERO opportunities
  • More cost sharing on prescription drugs
  • Higher medical co-pays
  • Elimination of post-65 medical benefits
  • Elimination of pension and retiree medical benefits for new hires

"Our contract and the improvements we have won over decades are under attack," he said. "We could be in serious trouble in these negotiations."

Locals are ramping up member mobilization activities, with education sessions and newsletters. Buttons, stickers and t-shirts will make their appearance as talks start.

In addition, IUE-CWA President Jim Clark, who will be at the GE table for the first time this year, is touring the country to visit GE facilities and meet with local executive boards to hear first-hand their concerns.

"This may be my first appearance at the GE table, but it is not my first time bargaining," stated Clark, who headed national talks at General Motors, Visteon, DMAX, Delphi and Valeo when he was chairman of the Automotive Conference Board.

"I bring a fresh perspective and a new voice that GE has never heard before," he added.

Clark stated how impressed he is with the GE bargaining committee. "They are not shy about voicing their opinions or their knowledge. If the members in the plant are as vocal in supporting their bargaining team in New York, we will have a successful contract."

GE retirees also are mobilizing. The Coordinated Bargaining Committee of GE unions held a first ever meeting of retiree leaders from CBC unions.

Their main goal, which is supported by the bargaining committee, is to get an increase for current retirees and to add a cost-of-living provision that will provide for automatic increases in the future.

"It may not happen in my lifetime, but we will keep fighting for a COLA," said Owen Humphress, vice president of the retiree club for Louisville, Ky. Local 761.