Contract Review 2011
Last Updated on Monday, 13 June 2011 15:48 Written by Administrator Monday, 13 June 2011 15:40
Telling It Like It Is
Union Brothers and Sisters, to say the least, these last three weeks have been a real eye opener. Honestly speaking, if we would have to make a recommendation based on those weeks, this membership would be in a total uproar. What we’ve seen and heard would have you to believe that GE has been sitting on death row amidst all the corporations in the world.
If the last Three weeks where a road map on what the company negotiators feel are in “OUR” best interests for the competitiveness of this company, the road is bumpy and definitely in need of repair.
There is a lot of opportunity for the General Electric in Erie, Pa. to make a ton of money. This union has always worked to see that happen.
The truth of the matter is that where GE has been sitting is at the top of the heap looking down at those businesses that really fell victim to the recent worldwide meltdown as this company continues to count its profits.
They stated that the company wants to reset the business so that they can remain competitive against the foes to be. The only competition that this company has had over the years is themselves. Let’s be clear about the resetting part of their statement because we’re all included. As a matter of fact, we are the ones they want to reset.
Isn’t it amazing that the people who produce the product that has made billions of dollars for this company are the same people that they now want to reset. Let’s explore some of their ideas of resetting the business and pay no attention as to the order in which you read them for they are all equally bad.
There’s health choice, which they forced on their salaried employees. If you want to know how they feel about it, just look at the expressions on their faces when you mention it. By the way, they want to do away with health coverage for future new employees who retire. They also want to eliminate the Define Pension Plan for future employee and go to a Define Contribution Plan. Hopefully, you will remember six dollars (stock) a share which took your hard earned money as well as what they matched.
Then there’s SERO’S which they consider no longer viable and too costly and prevents the company from hiring new employees. Don’t forget that the company wants these (future) employees at basement bargain prices. It’s insulting that GE would even bring such outlandish demands and expect us to accept them as if they were truly hurting financially. Brothers and Sisters, this company is in an attack mode that could wipe out all the gains that it took us decades to achieve.
We have heard “when are we going to do something?”….everyone of us have the ability to do what they feel is necessary to “MAKE A STATEMENT”….STEP UP….your voice is our voice.
Make no mistake, when 506 needs to make a statement, all of us will be heard, “LOUD AND CLEAR”.
Your negotiating committee understands well, that if the Rank and File are called upon, they will respond.
Starting Monday, June 13th, “THE GLOVES COME OFF” simply put, the proposals that that will be brought to this membership to live by for the next several years, will be hammered out.
To all the newly hired, the moment you signed up to join UE 506 you are a member You have a voice, your opinion matters, you will be heard, you have a vote. That is what Rank and File democracy is all about.
Again, starting Monday 6/13, the executive board and department stewards will be collecting NON PERISHABLE food items for the UE 506/618 STRIKE FOOD BANK.
The kitchen and food committee will be gathering the food items during the week at the Local 506 hall on Main St. in Lawrence Park. The food collected will help in case the need may arise. It is our hope that this will not be needed, but, just in case…..
Shame on us if we forget about how and what it took to get to where we are today, shame on us if we close our eyes and hearts on the ones to come, shame on us if we don’t stand up and fight today for a better tomorrow and shame on this company for having the gull to expect our members to believe that they are in dire straits.
Union Brothers, Sisters, there is a lot at stake here with much certainty, this week we will draft a collective bargaining agreement that will treat this membership fairly and whatever course we take, we had better make sure it’s the right one or it will hunt us for the rest of our lives. We urge this company to do the right thing.
Keep updated on the UE National Website: http//www.ueunion.org/
Printed by UE LOCAL 506 6/11/11