Bargaining Update

General Electric (GE)

On Tuesday, an overwhelming majority of IUE-CWA members at General Electric (GE) voted to ratify a two-year extension of their national collective bargaining agreement with the company. Under this extension, the workers secured a 12 percent general wage increase and successorship language that will preserve 85 years of hard-fought gains through GE’s planned spin-off into two separate companies. The workers also retained their existing healthcare, retirement, and other benefits without any concessions. The contractual gains, including the unprecedented general wage increase during a cost of living crisis and the successorship clause, which will protect the workers’ contract rights and union recognition after GE splits in 2024, are a testament to the members’ consistent mobilization throughout the bargaining. Now that the extension has been ratified, the workers are determined to continue to mobilize as they are set to return to the table in 2025 to fight for a fair contract on a stronger footing.

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New Jersey State Workers

Workers who are employed by the State of New Jersey, members of CWA Locals 1031, 1032, 1033, 1036, 1037, 1038, and 1040, are actively engaging in a massive mobilization effort to build strength at the bargaining table and secure a fair contract that reflects their value. More than 12,000 of them from all seven locals have signed a petition demanding respect and dignity through a good union contract, and last week, several members held a demonstration outside of three work locations to show their unity and solidarity for their bargaining team. They are fighting for significant salary increases that recognize the current economic climate; affordable quality healthcare, especially in light of the pandemic; and to modernize their workplaces in order to recruit and retain a talented workforce so they can provide the services New Jersey residents deserve.

CWA members employed by the State of New Jersey held a demonstration outside of three work locations to show their solidarity for their bargaining team and their unity in demanding a good union contract.

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Airline Workers Fight for a Fair Contract and Safety on the Job

American Airlines passenger service agents, members of the CWA-IBT Association, are continuing to negotiate for a fair contract. The bargaining committee met with management last week for their latest round of bargaining. The bargaining team is fighting hard to address critical issues on the table and is receiving ongoing support from members who are signing petitions and blanketing social media with solidarity selfies. Their strong mobilization demonstrates that the workers are willing to do what is necessary to win a fair deal and protect their rights.

Across the country, airline workers, including CWA passenger service agents and AFA-CWA Flight Attendants, are mobilizing to urge U.S. Senators and Representatives to support the bipartisan Protection from Abusive Passengers Act, new legislation that includes real consequences for those convicted of assault against crew members, ground service agents, or passengers. The legislation would create a national banned passenger list for abusive passengers to hold offenders accountable. A 2021 survey of 5,000 Flight Attendants found that over 85 percent of all respondents had dealt with disruptive passengers. This disruptive behavior also is rampant within the airport at gates, ticket and reservation areas, and other on-the-ground airport locations. With great frequency, passenger service agents have been the targets of violence and disruptive behavior in their workplace as they carry out their responsibilities.

Support airline workers by calling your Members of Congress and urge them to cosponsor the Protection from Abusive Passengers Act. For the U.S. House, call (202) 952-9215. For the U.S. Senate, call (202) 335-8715.