GE Aerospace workers represented by UAW Local 647 are officially on strike across two facilities in Erlanger, Kentucky, and Evendale, Ohio. The strike began at midnight on Thursday after no deal was reached and the current contract expired. The UAW cites job security, health care costs and time off as core issues.
“We are simply demanding things that every worker deserves: decent healthcare and a secure future. We are going to stand together as a united membership until we win what we are owed,” says UAW Local 647 President Brian Strunk. According to the UAW, GE Aerospace made counteroffers which would increase health care costs for employees by 36% over four years.
The Evendale plant builds marine and industrial engines, and the Erlanger site is a distribution center. In recent weeks, both sites have organized mass plant solidarity walks every Wednesday throughout bargaining in support of a fair contract.
“After giving the CEO a 985% pay increase, the company is still offering minimal increases that are not enough for our members. This strike is on the company; it’s on them to offer our members a contract they deserve,” said UAW President Shawn Fain in a negotiations update livestream.
GE Aerospace released a letter sent to UAW represented employees at the Ohio and Kentucky facilities Wednesday evening with an offer that would add approximately $29,000 on average in additional compensation during the three-year contract.
“We are deeply disappointed that the Detroit-based UAW leaders have chosen to send you out on strike without allowing you the opportunity to review and vote on this offer,” says the GE Aerospace letter. “Every employee deserves the right to make their voice heard and evaluate the terms that directly impact their livelihood, careers, and families. That’s why we are sharing details of that offer here and encouraging you to ask UAW leadership for the chance to vote on the company’s best offer.”
