A recent labor dispute between the United Auto Workers (UAW) and GE Aerospace, involving more than 600 employees in Ohio and Kentucky, appears to be nearing resolution following the announcement of a preliminary agreement. This development comes after weeks of industrial action, during which workers sought improved compensation and greater job security. The proposed contract is now subject to a ratification vote by union members, with ongoing picketing until a final decision is reached.
UAW and GE Aerospace Reach Tentative Agreement, Signaling Potential End to Weeks-Long Strike
On September 13, 2025, the United Auto Workers (UAW) announced a tentative agreement with GE Aerospace, impacting facilities in Evendale, Ohio, and Erlanger, Kentucky. This breakthrough could resolve a labor dispute that commenced in late August, when over 600 UAW members initiated a strike after negotiations broke down. The union has scheduled a vote on the proposed contract for September 19, 2025. Until the agreement is ratified, all picket lines at the affected locations will remain active. Workers had initiated the strike to advocate for higher wages and enhanced job protection, emphasizing the robust demand for aerospace products and a competitive labor market. A spokesperson for GE Aerospace expressed satisfaction with the tentative agreement, highlighting the company's commitment to collaboration in serving its clientele. This resolution aligns with a broader trend of increased union activity across the aviation and aerospace sectors, where various labor groups have successfully pressed for better compensation and contractual terms, leveraging a scarcity of skilled workers. The Evendale facility is crucial for producing marine and industrial engines, including those utilized by the U.S. Navy, while the Erlanger operation supplies vital components to other GE Aerospace engine manufacturing sites, underscoring the strategic importance of these locations to the company's supply chain.
This tentative agreement between the UAW and GE Aerospace underscores the evolving dynamics of labor relations in critical industrial sectors. It highlights the growing empowerment of skilled labor to demand and achieve better working conditions and compensation, especially in industries experiencing high demand and worker shortages. The outcome of this vote will not only shape the future of GE Aerospace’s workforce but also set a precedent for future labor negotiations across the aerospace and manufacturing industries, demonstrating the enduring power of collective bargaining in securing equitable outcomes for employees.