General Electric strike of 1969-1970

General Electric strike of 1969-1970. The strike involved approximately 150,000 workers from the International Union of Electrical Workers (IUE) and the United Electrical Workers (UE), who were employed by General Electric (GE) at various facilities across the United States, including Schenectady, New York, Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and Cincinnati, Ohio. The strike was led by prominent labor leaders, including James B. Carey of the International Union of Electrical Workers and Albert J. Fitzgerald of the United Electrical Workers. Key figures such as Walter Reuther of the United Auto Workers and George Meany of the AFL-CIO also played important roles in the strike.

Background

The General Electric strike of 1969-1970 occurred during a period of significant social and economic change in the United States, marked by the Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War, and rising inflation. The strike was influenced by the labor movements of the time, including the Wagner Act and the National Labor Relations Act, which protected workers' rights to collective bargaining and strike. Companies like General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Chrysler had already experienced major strikes, and the United Steelworkers had engaged in a lengthy strike against U.S. Steel and other steel producers. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters and the Service Employees International Union were also involved in various labor disputes during this period.

Causes of the Strike

The strike was caused by a combination of factors, including disputes over wages, benefits, and working conditions. Workers were seeking higher wages to keep pace with inflation, as well as improved benefits, such as better health insurance and pension plans. The International Union of Electrical Workers and the United Electrical Workers were also concerned about the impact of automation and technological change on workers' jobs and were seeking protections against layoffs and plant closures. Key figures such as John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson had previously addressed labor issues, and the strike was influenced by the policies of the National Labor Relations Board and the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service. The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) and the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) also played important roles in the strike.

Course of the Strike

The strike began on October 27, 1969, and lasted for 102 days, ending on February 24, 1970. During the strike, workers picketed outside General Electric facilities, and there were reports of clashes between strikers and non-striking workers. The strike was supported by other labor unions, including the United Auto Workers, the United Steelworkers, and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. The National Labor Relations Board and the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service were involved in efforts to mediate the dispute, and key figures such as Hubert Humphrey and George McGovern expressed support for the striking workers. The strike also drew attention from prominent individuals, including Ralph Nader and Cesar Chavez, who were involved in various social and labor movements.

Aftermath and Consequences

The strike ended with a tentative agreement between General Electric and the International Union of Electrical Workers and the United Electrical Workers. The agreement provided for wage increases, improved benefits, and protections against layoffs and plant closures. The strike had significant consequences for General Electric and the labor movement as a whole. The company experienced losses due to the strike, and the labor movement gained momentum, with other unions seeking to negotiate similar agreements. The strike also drew attention to the issues of automation and technological change, and the need for workers to be protected against the negative impacts of these changes. Key figures such as Jimmy Carter and Ted Kennedy later addressed these issues, and the strike influenced the development of labor policies, including the Employee Retirement Income Security Act and the Occupational Safety and Health Act.

Impact on Labor Relations

The General Electric strike of 1969-1970 had a significant impact on labor relations in the United States. The strike demonstrated the power of collective bargaining and the importance of workers' rights to strike. The strike also highlighted the need for companies to negotiate with workers and to address issues such as wages, benefits, and working conditions. The strike influenced the development of labor policies, including the National Labor Relations Act and the Fair Labor Standards Act, and it paved the way for future labor movements, including the Patco strike and the Air Traffic Controllers' Strike. The strike also drew attention to the importance of labor unions, including the AFL-CIO, the United Auto Workers, and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, and it highlighted the need for workers to be protected against the negative impacts of automation and technological change. Key figures such as Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush later addressed labor issues, and the strike remains an important event in the history of labor relations in the United States. Category:Labor disputes in the United States