CINCINNATI (WKRC) - UAW members at GE Aerospace are one week into their strike.
The union said it's not any closer to reaching an agreement. Striking union members say their push for better health care, job security, and time off hasn't waned since they walked out.
There are four posts along GE's campus. They say people have dropped off supplies at the union hall in preparation for a long road ahead.
"We're getting stronger every day. I mean, they're in for a rude awakening if they [GE Aerospace] think we're going away. We're not going anywhere," said UAW Local 647 member Don Lukis.
UAW Local 647 is in it for the long haul. Luknis has been with GE Aerospace for 31 years and says his current healthcare plan doesn't cover his medication.
"I've had two back surgeries. I hurt every day. The Optum prescription changed on January 1 on our insurance, and I can't get the medication that I need for my back, and that is story after story after story," said Luknis.
A GE spokesman directed Local 12 to the company's offer that he says was on the table the day union members went on strike.
For a three-year contract, it includes three more vacation days, eight more hours of sick time, and a 12% wage increase. GE says it's a "record offer," but union member Mike Jones says he's leaving it to the UAW to make the moves.
"We're hearing a bunch of rumors. Nothing really for certain. What really needs to happen is the company needs to get back at the table with our leadership, and if they really care, they're going to do what's right, and they're going to make a deal," said Jones.
Jones is preparing to welcome his first child with his wife. He says the 12% wage increase looks good on paper but will negatively impact workers' healthcare.
"Their insurance is going to increase a significant amount more when they go in the next higher bracket of wages that they would be making in the plant," Jones said.
The UAW said GE could settle the strike for $75 million over a five-year deal. The union claims the CEO's 2024 salary could cover that deal, and he would still have millions left over.
Luknis said that while his kids are grown, he's fighting for the next generation of skilled tradespeople.
"We want the next generation to be set up. I want to leave them better than I was left, and that's what I'm doing here," said Luknis.
Local 12 asked about the union's strike fund to gauge how long members could strike. A spokeswoman didn't give an exact number but says they have a "pretty big reserve." GE says some parts of their last offer, like wage increases and additional unionized positions, rely on having a deal by Friday.
Source: dayton247now.com
