Joint Bargaining Committee (JBC) representatives from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) recently gathered at the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center. The meeting was held to prepare for upcoming contract negotiations with GE Appliances, which is headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky. The JBC Master Agreement covers unionized Service Technicians from IAM, IBEW, United Association (UA), and United Electrical Workers (UE), who work from service vans across the country.
The negotiation preparation program brought together shop committee members and negotiating committee representatives for several days of training. The focus was on strategic planning, research analysis, and coordinated bargaining among multiple unions. The goal is to ensure that all JBC unions are united and informed as they enter contract talks.
Participants reviewed contract language, developed proposals, worked on costing exercises, and planned communication strategies. There was a strong emphasis on engaging union members so that their priorities are represented during negotiations.
Committees collaborated across local unions to identify shared challenges and exchange best practices. Key issues included protecting wages and benefits, strengthening job security, and improving workplace protections.
“This training gives our negotiating committees the tools and confidence they need to fight for the best possible agreement,” said IAM Union Collective Bargaining Director Craig Norman. “Preparation is power, and when we walk into negotiations, we do so with a clear strategy and the full strength of our membership behind us.”
