LOCAL
Tell Walmart and GE/Savant: Don’t offshore jobs to China
WSLC officers join activists outside Auburn Walmart to support GE-Savant workers
UPDATE (Feb. 22, 2021) — Larry Brown and April Sims, executive officers of the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, joined a contingent of union activists outside the Walmart in Auburn, Wash., on Saturday to call attention to GE/Savant’s plans to offshore LED bulb manufacturing overseas. They waved signs and leafleted customers to urge Walmart to insist that the manufacture of the bulbs that it sells remain in the United States.
“An injury to one is an injury to all. That’s why we are proud to stand in solidarity with the IUE-CWA Local 84704 members at GE/Savant who face having their jobs offshored,” said WSLC President Larry Brown. “Walmart has made pledges to buy and sell American-made products. This is a perfect opportunity for Walmart to act on that commitment. They should tell GE/Savant to keep making their LED lightbulbs in Ohio rather than shipping those jobs to China. It’s time for Walmart to walk the walk, and it’s time for GE/Savant to do the right thing.”
(Feb. 18, 2021) — Workers represented by IUE-CWA Local 84704 at the GE/Savant LED lightbulb plant in Bucyrus, Ohio, make bulbs exclusively for Walmart at one of the only residential lighting factories left in the United States. But these proud workers recently received word that the company plans to transfer those jobs to China, permanently laying off more than 80 workers, and possibly closing the plant for good.
This Saturday at Walmart locations across America, unions are sending a message: As the customer, Walmart should demand that these bulbs be made here in the USA and tell GE/Savant to keep the work in Bucyrus, Ohio.
TAKE A STAND — Join Larry Brown, President of the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, from noon to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 20 at the Auburn Walmart, 762 Outlet Collection Way, as area union members and their supporters stand in solidarity with IUE-CWA Local 84704 workers. Participants in this masked, socially distanced event will wave signs and pass out flyers to Walmart customers. Also, please sign this petition in support of the workers.
As the Industrial Division of CWA, IUE-CWA represents a force of 150,000 active and retired members united collectively to seek dignity on the job and a secure future for ourselves, our children and all future generations. Learn more at iue-cwa.org.
CHECK OUT THE UNION DIFFERENCE in Washington: higher wages, affordable health and dental care, job and retirement security.
FIND OUT HOW TO JOIN TOGETHER with your co-workers to negotiate for better wages, benefits, and a voice at work. Or go ahead and contact a union organizer today!
