WASHINGTON, Aug. 9, 2019 – Approximately 1,375 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) voted overwhelmingly on Friday, Aug. 9 to accept an improved contract offer from General Electric.
IAM and IBEW members in General Electric’s aviation and medical divisions accepted the deal after improvements to a previously rejected offer from the company. The new deal keeps the defined benefit pension plan, improves the 401(k) plan, reduces the members’ cost of health care, and includes general wage and cost of living increases.
By voting to accept the contract, a Monday, Aug. 12 strike has been averted.
“I congratulate our membership at General Electric for showing all working people what is possible when we stand together,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “These negotiations were not easy, but these bargaining committees stood strong, did not back down and fought for a fair deal. That’s what being a Fighting Machinist is all about.”
“These negotiations set the table for our future relationship with General Electric,” said IAM General Vice President Brian Bryant. “Our negotiating committees have been a strong voice for our membership from the beginning. The collective strength of our membership and every available resource from the IAM brought this contract home.”
Contact:
DeLane Adams, IAM
301-609-1387
dadams@iamaw.org
The IAM represents 1,250 members at four Locals involved in General Electric negotiations: IAM Locals 78 and 1916 in Milwaukee, Oak Creek, and Waukesha, Wisc., IAM Local 912 in Evendale, Ohio, and IAM Local 439 in Warrensville Heights, Ohio. IAM members work in General Electric’s aviation and medical divisions. The IBEW represents 125 members at three GE locals: IBEW Local 613 in Atlanta, IBEW Local 663 in Milwaukee, and IBEW Local 1014 in Medford, Mass.
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