GE strike fears

A long strike of GE could be a disaster for our area. Even worse could be the end results -- closing or downsize facilities. I believe Strother Field is the last, or one of the last, remaining engine overhaul facilities in North America.

GE is probably the last remaining manufacturing facility in our area that offers a high wage and complete benefits — health care, pension. Unfortunately, the high paying manufacturing jobs that one could raise a family on and retire comfortably (without the spouse working, too) are going by the way side. Let's hope they work this out and think of the future. GE workers will probably have to take some cut in health benefits, like most of America has. Sad, but, true.

It looks like GE workers struck for 2 days in 2003 to protest increases in employee health care contribution, but ended up agreeing to a contract that includes some wage increases and other benefit increases, while accepting some of the health care increases.