Unionized GE Aerospace Workers, Approximately 600 Strong, Commence Strike Action

GE Aerospace Workers in Kentucky and Ohio on Strike Over Contract Dispute

GE Aerospace workers represented by the United Auto Workers (UAW) union are currently on strike at their facilities in Erlanger, Kentucky, and Evendale, Ohio. The strike began at midnight on Thursday after the current contract expired and no deal was reached.

The strike is a response to a dispute over the terms of a new contract proposed by GE Aerospace. The company sent a letter to its employees with an offer that would provide approximately $29,000 in additional compensation over three years. However, the UAW has expressed disappointment that employees were not allowed to review and vote on the offer before the strike began.

According to UAW President Shawn Fain, the strike is the company's responsibility to offer a fair contract. The UAW cites job security, health care costs, and time off as core issues. According to the UAW, GE Aerospace made counteroffers that would increase health care costs for employees by 36% over four years.

The Erlanger site is a distribution center, while the Evendale plant builds marine and industrial engines. Both sites have organized mass plant solidarity walks every Wednesday throughout bargaining in support of a fair contract.

GE Aerospace encourages employees to ask UAW leadership for the chance to vote on the company's best offer. The offer in the GE Aerospace letter is the company's best offer to date. The CEO of GE Aerospace, H. Lawrence ("Larry") Culp, Jr., who received a 985% salary increase, has not commented on the strike.

UAW Local 647 President Brian Strunk states that they are demanding decent healthcare and a secure future. The company's offer in the letter is intended to impact the livelihood, careers, and families of the employees. The offer in the GE Aerospace letter is a three-year contract.

The strike is ongoing, and both sides are hoping to reach a resolution soon. As the dispute continues, the workers at GE Aerospace facilities in Erlanger and Evendale remain on strike, hoping for a fair contract that meets their needs and provides job security and affordable healthcare.

Unionized GE Aerospace Workers, Approximately 600 Strong, Commence Strike Action