District 10 and Local Lodge 1377 of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers are saddened to hear of the GE Power & Water plan to eliminate 350 skilled jobs from the Waukesha, WI facility. The Union members of GE Power & Water have provided a skilled and efficient workforce manufacturing world class gas engine products.
GE claims the closing of the facility is directly related to the export financing lapse of the U.S. Export Import Bank. The Republicans in Congress have been in strong opposition to attempts at reauthorize the Bank. The elimination of these jobs is directly related to the GOP’s opposition to the U.S. Export Import Bank led by Scott Walker, Ron Johnson and Paul Ryan. ÂÂÂ Their opposition is hurting Wisconsin workers.
While the renewal of the U.S. Export Import Bank is at the center of the Wisconsin job loss, let’s not miss GE’s position. GE is willing to sacrifice American workers for even greater financial gain.
District 10 and Local Lodge 1377 understand this is a devastating blow to our members, their families and the community. The Union plans to engage in open discussions with the Company in hopes of identifying alternatives to the elimination of jobs. The current collective bargaining agreement is planned to expire on May 1, 2016.
