Workers Show Solidarity at GE Sites
June 13, 2003
- Workers at GE sites
across the nation sported black armbands, blasted police whistles and
wore “My GE Job is Worth Fighting For” buttons in a show of solidarity
in the struggle for a fair contract.
As the clock ticked
down to the June 15 contract expiration date, GVP Bob Thayer vowed the
IAM team would stay at the table as long as necessary to win the best
possible agreement for the 2,800 IAM members working at GE. Management
representatives completed their presentation yesterday.
In its
counter-proposal, the IAM team withdrew several proposals, reshaped
others and tentatively agreed to several of the company's offers. “Much
remains to be done,” Thayer said, pointing out that the key issues of
health care costs, pension protections, job security and wages
remained on the table.
“We represent the
most highly skilled workers you have at General Electric,” Thayer said
across the table. “They deserve a fair share.” He noted that GE’s top
five corporate executives carved up an $88 million pie last year. “The
example is set at the top.”
Thayer expressed the
negotiating team’s appreciation for the members’ show of solidarity
yesterday. “Their actions show the true spirit of the ‘Fighting
Machinists’ and makes us even more determined to fight for the best
possible agreement here. Keep up the good work.”
With both packages on
the table, the negotiating teams meet again today and pledged to
remain at the table as long as necessary to reach agreement.
For negotiations information, go to
www.goiam.org
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