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 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, Radio and Machine Workers of America (UE), who work out of service vans across the country.
The Negotiation Preparation Program brought together shop committee members and negotiating committee representatives for several days. The program focused on strategic training, research analysis, and coordinated bargaining among multiple unions. Its goal is to ensure that JBC unions approach negotiations united and informed.
During the sessions, participants reviewed contract language, developed proposals, conducted costing exercises, and planned communications. The program emphasized member engagement so that bargaining priorities would reflect concerns from workers on the shop floor.
Committees collaborated across local unions to identify shared challenges and exchange best practices. They focused on protecting wages and benefits as well as strengthening job security and 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.”
