Ho Hum. GE spent the week presenting all the great benefits and wages it offers. From salaries and life insurance to disability and income protections, GE crows about how they offer the best. The package is good, but only because the unions have negotiated for it and the workers have earned it.
No More SEROs? GE is saying that SEROs have outlived their purpose. Especially galling for the company is the SERO window with the replacement feature. Expect a big fight here.
Act As Adults. That was the message as the topic of conduct during organizing campaigns came up once again. GE basically reiterated that it doesn't want unions. "We prefer to remain union free," GE negotiator Bill Casey stated. His theory that non-union sites were more flexible and more productive was met with indignation. He said the Employee Free Choice Act and neutrality were mislabeled because the company had no voice. Right now the company has the power, the unions responded. But they invited Casey to develop a system where each side would have equal and fair access and not wait for EFCA to become law. "Let's get it done at the table. GE should lead on this issue."
Where Do We Stand? Next week starts the small table and the two subcommittees, one on pension and health and another on contract language. Sitting at the small table are IUE-CWA, the UE, the IAM, the IBEW and the UAW. Proposals will start flying back and forth. Right now, IUE-CWA lead negotiator Bob Santamoor sums the talks up as "not looking good," with SEROs and new hire provisions at the top of the list of problems the unions anticipate coming across the table. Read on for Santamoor's complete wrap-up to the company.
Closing Statement. "Today at the closing of the large table I want to take time to summarize where I feel we stand after three weeks of meeting. I first must say New York City is a nice place to be but in reality it has outlived its day as far as holding negotiations here.
"We have heard from the company for almost three weeks basically how lucky we are to work for General Electric. Information that was presented was very informative to someone who has never worked for General Electric but in my mind insulting to this captive group of negotiators. Let no one on your side think we do not know how to negotiate or understand the contract and benefits. This would be a huge mistake. Let me re-emphasize the crucial nature of our issues.
"Job Security an issue that is shared by every union in the CBC. One that must be addressed and taken seriously by GE during the final days of negotiations. Our goal has not changed from past negotiations. Employment security should not only protect a worker from job loss but also from the effects of job loss. GE must understand that we expect investments in our plants here in AMERICA. We need GE to believe in the AMERICAN worker and realize there is a benefit to doing so. All of our plants need and deserve a commitment to making them the best in the world. Businesses such as lighting should be rewarded for their commitment to GE and not live under the threat of being closed. GE closes and sells businesses with no concern for workers, families or communities. This erosion of the middle class of AMERICA has to stop. GE families live with the constant pressure of an unsure future. We must protect these workers from work transfers and plant closings. We need to make sure that we protect workers from the scandal of farm outs and subcontracting of our work. Take these concerns very seriously because without Job Security the rest of any bargained package means very little. We want genuine job security in this contract package, not something that is artificial.
"Pensions are an area that will be negotiated with vengeance and will lead GE down a path of darkness if SERO'S of any type are eliminated or changed. We expect substantial increases in pensions with a replacement income that assumes inflation adjustments. There is room for these improvements with a trust fund that is very healthy and can surely handle improved pensions. Your scare tactics that have been presented will not survive much discussion nor will they disguise the nearly $16 billion dollar over funded pension trust. Once again improvements and no take a ways.
"Organizing and neutrality. It is time for GE to accept the union as a partner full time and not part time. You have no credibility when you say you want us around for the next 100 years here at negotiations and during organizing campaigns you treat us like outsiders and in some cases refer to us as slugs. There is little or no respect for us as union members when we try to organize. If there was, you would not say or deliver the threats to GE workers who try to join a union. All we ask is to let people make decisions without the fear of retaliation or the loss of their job. Neutrality is in the future. Let it be your choice and not some other body that makes this decision for GE.
"We have many proposals that deal with health care. Once again we heard horror stories about the fear of escalating health care and the cost for GE. Your own figures tell us that health care costs in the last contract did not come close to your projected increases. We will not be fooled this time with inflated figures or the argument that increases are needed. Your own information dictates you owe us money towards health care from the last contract. You know the importance of this issue to our members. Show us all here at this table that GE wants to be a leader in health care and aid in finding a universal answer to this country's health care problem.
"We will be proposing more vacation and personal time. It is time to improve both schedules. You heard at this table the deep concern for Veterans Day as a Holiday and yes GE should be ashamed if it is not there at the end of these negotiations.
"Make no mistake about the importance of the issues surrounding New Hires. Do not let the voices you heard go unheeded. It would be a major mistake to do so. I believe a mistake that could bring you on a journey no one wishes to take.
"Retirees must receive a substantial increase in their pension along with a COLA. It is time for GE to step up to the plate and hit a home run and not only a single. Yes it is true retirees are living longer and therefore need the help that GE can provide so they can live with dignity. It's time, it's time it's time.
"Finally there are also areas that I have not specifically stated that need improvements. They are not to be taken lightly. Areas such as improved dental and vision care coverage. A true wage adjustment for skilled trades, and improvements in our apparatus service shops are only some of other concerns.
"Our negotiating committee has done a great job at the large table and have worked very hard getting their messages to you. I am proud of their efforts and thank them and all the CBC unions who have joined us here these past few weeks. Sacrifices of time away from their families and other important activities show their dedication and belief to achieve a fair and good contract.
"In closing I must say that I am less optimistic of being able to bake the cake this time than any other contract negotiations that I have been involved with. If an agreement is to be reached it must meet our member's needs and not just GE's. It has to be a good contract, not an inferior one and one with no give backs. Give backs will unite this table like you have never seen before. Believe me when I say that. Do not make the mistake of just listening. Make sure you hear us."
