CBC Background and Mission Statement
Background
The Coordinated Bargaining Committee of General Electric Unions (CBC) was formed in the late 1960's to coordinate and enhance each union's collective bargaining strength at this giant multinational corporation. Over the past three decades, the global economy, the structure and diversification of GE's production operations, and the system of labor relations and bargaining have changed dramatically. GE unions worldwide have had to adopt alternative strategies in order to advance the economic and political interest of their members. The CBC Contract 2000 Campaign in the United States represented, for example, an approach that extended well beyond the national bargaining table.
GE unions are committed to continuing this historic coordinated activity through the CBC. In addition, the CBC continues to conduct its comprehensive strategic GE campaign in conjunction with the International Metalworkers' Federation (IMF) and its IMF-GE World Council. The CBC also maintains trade union relationships with the International Chemical, Energy, Mining and General Worker's Federation (ICEM) and other international union and worker organizations.
Mission Statement
Unions participating in the Coordinated Bargaining Committee of General Electric Unions recognize the value of working together for the common welfare of all GE workers. We are committed to jointly developing coordinated bargaining and organizing programs to strengthen the individual and collective representation of our GE memberships. It is our objective to provide leadership, international solidarity, technical assistance, strategic planning and coordination of effort in the development of goals to further the interests of GE workers worldwide.
Purpose
The historic purpose of the Coordinated Bargaining Committee of General Electric Unions (CBC) has been to coordinate and enhance each union's collective bargaining strength against this giant multi-national corporation. With the evolution of the global economy and the international growth and diversification of GE's production operations, GE unions have had to adopt alternative strategies in order to advance the economic and political interests of their members. The CBC is well positioned to respond effectively to the reality of the globalized economy of the 21st Century.
Structure
The CBC operates on a four-level structure: The Executive Committee, Steering Committee, Full Committee, and International Committee.
The CBC Executive Committee consists of three officers: the CBC Chair, CBC Vice Chair, and CBC Treasurer. The CBC Executive Committee convenes periodic meetings of the Steering Committee and the Full Committee, and administers the normal operations of the CBC in a manner consistent with the policies determined by the Steering Committee.
The CBC Steering Committee consists of representatives from each affiliated CBC Union.
The CBC Full Committee consists of an unlimited number of delegates from each International Union. These delegates are generally members of each respective Union's negotiating committees and/or conference boards. The primary function of this Committee shall be to develop bargaining proposals and carry out membership mobilization and education programs.
The CBC International Committee consists of representatives from unions belonging to the CBC. The purpose of the Committee is to foster and coordinate collective bargaining, as well as to initiate and support organizing efforts throughout the world with respect to General Electric workers. In addition, the Committee shall serve to promote the recognition and effective enforcement of international labor standards for GE workers everywhere. At its discretion, the Committee invites representatives from other labor unions representing GE workers to its meetings. The Committee coordinates its activities with the appropriate international worker federations, international trade secretariats and other international trade union organizations.
The successful coordination of contract negotiations is only accomplished through the total dedication and cooperation of all CBC participants. National negotiations are the most important single activity of the CBC in the United States. Each CBC Union has agreed upon a comprehensive set of procedures leading up to and through the conclusion of negotiations.
