Union in New York for critical GE vote

LYNN – Wage, health insurance and pension proposals outlined in an initial contract agreement between negotiators for General Electric and the firm?s union workers will be endorsed or rejected by a union delegate committee Wednesday.International Union of Electrical Workers Local 201 President Peter Capano travels to New York City today, where negotiations opened on June 1, to vote with fellow delegates. If delegates vote “yes” for the pact, it becomes a tentative agreement slated for a membership vote with 1,400 IUE members scheduled to vote Tuesday, June 30.Delegates can set the stage for a strike with a rejection vote, but Capano Monday confirmed IUE President James Clark endorsed the initial agreement.?He has said it?s a good package and we will like it when we see it,” Capano said.GE negotiators and members of the Coordinated Bargaining Committee representing 16,500 IUE workers and other union employees last hammered out a contract in 2011. This month?s negotiations unfolded against a backdrop of changing dynamics for GE, with the River Works fighting for commercial jet engine work and a chance to make engines for the next generation, all-purpose military jet.Although the initial agreement?s details remain confidential in advance of the delegate?s vote, Local 201 staked out its contract priorities last week prior to a June 18 rally in support of 201 Business Agent Ric Casilli and other negotiators.The union brought concerns about health insurance costs, needed pension improvements, wage and increased retiree pensions to New York City. Capano on Monday said the current health insurance plan available to union workers provides coverage for “catastrophic” health needs.?It?s a balance between wage improvements and health cost and pensions,” Capano said.GE spokesman Richard Gorham said the average “straight-time hourly wage rate” for a unionized River Works employee is almost $34. He said GE provides workers with “an extensive range” of medical, dental, disability, vision and prescription drug benefits.?The plans provide financial protection against catastrophic illness, encourage early detection of disease and promotion of healthy lifestyles,” Gorham said.IUE employees working in Lynn, Kentucky and New York make up more than half of the union workers represented in the contract talks. The United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America represent 3,500 workers with smaller unions representing additional workers.