UAW Workers at GE Aerospace Start Strike Over Failed Talks

Post by : Monika

Photo: Reuters

On Thursday, more than 600 workers from the United Auto Workers (UAW) union walked off the job at two GE Aerospace locations—one in Evendale, Ohio, and the other in Erlanger, Kentucky. This strike began because the union and the company could not agree on a new contract. UAW President Shawn Fain confirmed the strike and explained that these workers had already voted to take this step if no deal was reached by August 27.

Why the Strike Matters

• Where GE Workers Make Key Parts:
• The Evendale, Ohio site makes large engines used by the U.S. Navy.
• The Erlanger, Kentucky facility provides parts to other GE engine manufacturing plants.
• These are important jobs that support critical U.S. industries.

Part of a Larger Labor Movement:
The strike comes as part of a bigger wave of protests and job actions in the aerospace and aviation sectors. Workers—including pilots, engineers, and mechanics—have been demanding better pay and job security.

What Workers Want

Workers at GE Aerospace want a contract that ensures fair wages and job protections. The kind of skilled work they do—building engines and aircraft parts—is in high demand, but they feel their pay and benefits don’t match how valuable their skills are today.

What GE Aerospace Said

GE Aerospace expressed disappointment at the strike, saying it came before employees had a chance to vote on the company’s latest offer. The company also said it had a “detailed contingency plan” ready to keep work going.

The Worker Voices

More than 600 UAW members at these two sites said “no” when asked if they would agree to continue working under the current contract conditions.

They formally voted that if no agreement was reached by August 27, they would strike. That deadline passed without a deal, and the strike began at midnight on Thursday.

Important Points You Should Know
Topic  What It Means

• Labor Rights  Workers have the right to strike when contract talks fail.
• National Defense  The Evendale facility builds engines used by the U.S. Navy.
• Rising Labor Movements  Many aerospace workers are striking nationwide.
• Company Preparedness  GE said it has backup plans to continue operations.
• Union Power  A strong vote shows workers are united behind the union.

What’s Behind the Strike?

Every few years, unions and companies negotiate collective agreements—contracts covering hours, pay, safety, pensions, and other protections. When negotiations stall and workers feel their needs are not met, strikes can happen.

The UAW says this strike is about respect, security, and making sure workers get a fair deal for the high-value work they do.

What the Strike Means for Everyday People

Families of Workers:
Striking can mean temporary loss of wages, but workers believe it could bring a better contract that helps their families in the long run.

Community Impact:
Cities like Evendale and Erlanger depend on these factories for jobs and income. A strike can also affect local restaurants, shops, and other businesses.

Nationwide Implications:
A strike at GE Aerospace adds to bigger concerns about labor unrest. If more unions strike, it could affect airline travel costs and even military budgets.

Workers Standing Strong

Even though skilled workers like pilots, engineers, and mechanics may earn more, they still demand fair pay and job protection. With rising living costs and inflation, contracts that secure fair wages and benefits are more important than ever.

The UAW vote shows a clear message: workers are united and ready to stand firm for change.

What Happens Next?

• Negotiations Continue: The UAW and GE may return to the table to reach a new deal.
• Contingency Plans in Action: GE will try to keep operations running using backup staff or shifting work.
• Watch for Expansion: If talks fail at these sites, more GE locations could also strike.
• Support and Media Attention: The strike may gain public attention, putting pressure on GE to agree to a fair contract.

Why This News Is Important

• It impacts real workers who make important aircraft parts.
• It connects to a larger wave of strikes in the U.S. and around the world.
• It highlights the need for fair contracts and worker rights.
• It shows how even skilled and experienced workers still demand fairness.
• Over 600 UAW members at two GE Aerospace sites are on strike after failing to reach a new contract.
• The Ohio site makes Navy engines, and the Kentucky site provides aircraft parts.
• The strike is part of a broader wave of labor unrest in aerospace.
• GE Aerospace is disappointed but has backup plans to keep working.
• Workers voted to strike if no deal was reached by August 27—and they are standing firm.

GE Aerospace workers