IUE-CWA Workers at GE Haier Hold Rally Ahead of Bargaining

Over 1,000 members and supporters of IUE-CWA Local 83761 held a rally outside their GE Haier worksite in Louisville, Ky., last week.

With their contract expiring at the end of the year and contract negotiations scheduled to begin next month, members are concerned about the unfair tiered pay system and the high worker turnover. IUE-CWA Local 83761 President Dino Driskell spoke to that concern, saying, “Turnover is incredibly high right now. We have over 2,100 members with less than 2 years seniority. They’re looking for reasons to stay, but as it stands, there’s no incentive since they can never advance to a higher tier. This is going to be a major point for improvement during these negotiations.”

Prior contract negotiations have been contentious, with workers filing unfair labor practice charges against the company in 2020. Those charges were upheld by the National Labor Relations Board. President Driskell anticipates another tough negotiation saying, “This isn’t a destination job as it once was, and these 2,100 members don’t have the livable wage, retirement, or healthcare plan that used to keep people from walking.”

According to Driskell, the negotiating team already has a proposal to address the flawed tier system. Expectations among members are high, but Driskell is confident his team can come away with an agreement members will support.

 
IUE-CWA Local 83761 President Dino Driskell (at the mic) addressed the crowd at a recent rally held by members and supporters outside of GE Haier in Louisville, Ky.

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This post originally appeared on cwa-union.org.