UAW, GE Aerospace reach tentative deal after strike at Ohio and Kentucky plants

On the Dash:

• UAW and GE Aerospace secured a tentative contract covering facilities in Evendale, Ohio, and Erlanger, Kentucky, following a strike by more than 600 workers in late August.
• The deal includes nearly full coverage of healthcare premium increases, additional vacation time, and job security provisions, such as minimum headcounts and commitments for new work.
• Union members will hold a ratification vote on September 19, and they will continue the picket lines until then, reflecting broader labor actions within the aerospace and aviation sectors.

On September 12, members of the United Auto Workers (UAW) union at GE Aerospace’s Evendale, Ohio, and Erlanger, Kentucky, facilities reached a tentative five-year agreement with the company. The deal follows a strike by more than 600 workers in late August after negotiations failed to produce a new contract.

The UAW stated that the agreement secures gains on multiple fronts, including job security, healthcare costs, and time off. Under the terms, GE will cover nearly all healthcare premium increases over the life of the contract, and workers will receive additional vacation days. The deal also includes job security measures such as minimum headcounts and commitments for new work at both facilities.

Sign up for CBT News’ daily newsletter and get the latest industry stories delivered straight to your inbox.

Union leaders emphasized the progress made in the tentative deal. In a statement Saturday, the UAW said workers “secured victories on all fronts.” The union will hold a ratification vote on September 19, but until then, picket lines will stay active.

The strike marked the latest flashpoint in a broader wave of labor actions across the aerospace and aviation industries, where unions have pressed for stronger job protections and improved compensation amid rising demand for skilled workers. Pilots, flight attendants, machinists, and engineers have all pursued new contracts in recent years.

GE Aerospace’s Evendale plant produces marine and industrial engines for the U.S. Navy, while the Erlanger facility supplies parts to the company’s engine plants. The outcome of the ratification vote will determine whether the strike ends and the new contract takes effect.