Louisville Courier-Journal: Louisville GE Appliance Park workers back strike authorization vote with 99% in favor
By LUCAS AULBACH and GRACE SCHNEIDER
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Heading into bargaining on key parts of a new master contract, union leaders at GE Appliance Park asked hourly workers to vote to authorize a strike Monday and received overwhelming support — better than 99%.
Hundreds of workers wheeled through the IUE-CWA Local 83761 union hall's parking lot at 5153 Poplar Level Road Monday afternoon after the first shift let out, calling out "yes" or "no" votes from passenger cars, trucks and SUV's. One woman in a red Mitsubishi yelled, "Hell, yes!" as she drove by workers checking employee badges.
A strike authorization doesn't mean a walkout is imminent, but it often provides leverage to a union looking to press for improved wage and benefits packages.