Waterford -- 2-day nationwide action meant to send message about hikes in health care co-payments

By KENNETH AARON, Business writer First published: Tuesday, January 14, 2003

Workers at the GE Silicones plant started manning picket lines at 10 p.m. Monday, officially launching the first nationwide strike against the conglomerate since 1969.

"We've got to make a stand," said Rich Sparano, a striking worker who was among those braving freezing temperatures outside the plant. The temperature just before midnight was 17.

For the next two days, about 2,900 GE workers in the Capital Region will strike to protest an increase in some health care co-payments. The company, which imposed the hikes on Jan. 1, says that a sharp rise in health care expenses has forced its hand.

Many of the workers walked out of their factories as their shifts ended at 11 p.m. As the second shift left, driving off into the night, another wave of workers arrived to pick up red picket signs that had been left stuck in the snow for them. "I'm Striking to Save My Heath Care," read the signs.

About 100 protesters formed outside the company's silicone factory in Waterford and capacitor plant in Fort Edward, while pickets were scheduled to start at the company's Power Systems operation in Schenectady at 5 a.m. today.

About 18,900 GE workers are on strike, affecting 48 locations in 23 states. Two unions have walked: the International Union of Electronic Workers/Communications Workers of America, which represents about 13,900 employees, or 5 percent of the company's work force, and the United Electrical and Machine Workers of America, which represents 5,000 workers.More - http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=92592&category=FRONTPG&BCCode=HOME&newsdate=1/14/2003

-- Anonymous, January 14, 2003