Union, GE reach deal for faster raises at New England plants

The largest union representing General Electric Co. workers says it's reached a deal with the company to speed up pay raises for workers at a Massachusetts aviation plant

General Electric-Labor Union-Raises (Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

The largest union representing workers for General Electric Co. says it's reached an agreement with the company to speed up raises for workers at a Massachusetts aviation plant.

Under the deal, workers would be eligible for raises sooner and could reach the top pay rate after six years of work, instead of as many as 10 required under the old system.

The tentative agreement first reported Tuesday by The Associated Press must be ratified by workers in a vote set for later this month.

Some 540 workers will see their pay go up, or become eligible for raises sooner, if the agreement is approved.

IUE-CWA Local 201, the union that negotiated the deal with GE, said workers at non-union plants in Rutland, Vermont, and Hooksett, N.H., will also receive a sped-up raise schedule as part of the agreement.

The union called the deal a “massive win” for workers, especially as they are dealing with higher living costs brought on by inflation.

“As we prepare to negotiate our national union contract for GE workers across the country, this sends a powerful message to the company that we can organize effectively against stagnating wages and keep good jobs in our community," union president Adam Kaszynski said in a statement emailed to the AP.