In These Times
06-07-2011, 01:34 AM
On Saturday, 3,500 people showed up to rally in Erie, Pa., to protest the concessions General Electric is asking its workers to accept. Workers are currently negotiating a contract in New York City set to expire with General Electric on June 19.
As I have reported before (http://www.inthesetimes.com/working/entry/7263/will_progressive_get_behind_workers_fightin_to_stop_concession_at_gene/), despite making record profits last year and paying zero in income taxes, GE has signaled it will ask its workers for major concessions in contract negotiations, including elimination of a defined contribution benefit pension for new employees and implementation of "health savings" accounts, a move the company has already implemented for non-union salaried employees as well. GE has also indicated that it will ask for a two-tier wage system for new workers.
In response to the unprecedented drives for concessions, the 10 unions negotiating a joint contract have organized on an unprecedented level. They have made daily bargaining updates (http://www.ueunion.org/unity2011.html) available on their website. The records, which are detailed and widely distributed to union members, aim to keep members active, informed and prepared to engage in action against the company if it does not relent in its push for concessions.
More... (http://www.inthesetimes.com/working/entry/7386/inspired_by_wisconsin_union_sees_record_turnout_in_rally_against_gener/)
As I have reported before (http://www.inthesetimes.com/working/entry/7263/will_progressive_get_behind_workers_fightin_to_stop_concession_at_gene/), despite making record profits last year and paying zero in income taxes, GE has signaled it will ask its workers for major concessions in contract negotiations, including elimination of a defined contribution benefit pension for new employees and implementation of "health savings" accounts, a move the company has already implemented for non-union salaried employees as well. GE has also indicated that it will ask for a two-tier wage system for new workers.
In response to the unprecedented drives for concessions, the 10 unions negotiating a joint contract have organized on an unprecedented level. They have made daily bargaining updates (http://www.ueunion.org/unity2011.html) available on their website. The records, which are detailed and widely distributed to union members, aim to keep members active, informed and prepared to engage in action against the company if it does not relent in its push for concessions.
More... (http://www.inthesetimes.com/working/entry/7386/inspired_by_wisconsin_union_sees_record_turnout_in_rally_against_gener/)