IUE-CWA and the Italian Federation of Metalworkers Pioneer New Era of Global Solidarity Among GE Union Workers

This May Day, a group of General Electric workers from across the country joined members of IUE-CWA Local 81201 at General Electric (GE) in Lynn, Mass., to celebrate the ratification of a new groundbreaking 2-year contract, and to continue organizing together to defend their jobs, pushing for new investments in their plants, and preparing to fight for further improvements.

During the event, IUE-CWA welcomed a delegation of GE workers from Italian plants that directly supply GE's U.S. operations. The workers, represented by trade union FIOM-CGIL, the Italian Federation of Metalworkers, committed to working with IUE-CWA to tackle joint issues faced by workers within the multinational corporation. Together, both parties participated in a rally in front of GE's Aerospace facility and joined a larger community-wide May Day march.

"Credit goes to our mobilized union members for their tireless efforts in achieving a fair contract and their continued pursuit for worker justice,” said Carl Kennebrew, President of IUE-CWA. “I am optimistic about what more we can accomplish as we build bridges with unions abroad for fair wages and better working conditions, reflecting the importance of global solidarity in today’s economy."