UE NEWS Updates

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At Local 150 Convention, Members See Value of Unity and Determination

September 7, 2026
Whitakers, North Carolina

“Over the past two years, we have proven that unity and determination can lead to some incredible wins for our members across the state,” said President Willie Brown during his State of the Union address at the start of the 14th Biennial Convention of UE Local 150, the North Carolina Public Service Workers Union. “Unite, Empower, and Transform” was the theme for the convention, which drew in over 70 delegates and guests from across North Carolina. The union leaders met at the Franklinton Center at Bricks on August 15 and 16.

Economics News for Workers

August 14, 2026

The UE NEWS takes a look at the economics news working people need to know. New studies demonstrate the reality of the affordability crisis, examine why American employers are so stingy with vacation and what can be done about it, and explore what our country would be like if every worker that wanted to be in a union had one. Plus: new threats to your retirement.

GE Factory Service Technicians Eliminate Two-Tier in Difficult Negotiations

August 7, 2026
Louisville, Kentucky

After three weeks of very difficult contract negotiations and the rejection of the company’s last, best, and final proposal, members of the Joint Bargaining Committee (JBC) unions at GE Appliances Factory Service, which include UE Locals 270, 335, and 707, approved a new three-year agreement on June 24. JBC union members repair home appliances; the JBC includes IBEW, UE, IAM, and the Steamfitters.

Local 741 Fights Back Against Continued Attacks on Public Schools

August 7, 2026
Marengo, Ohio

The members of UE Local 741, who are paraprofessionals, cooks, custodians, bus drivers, mechanics, and maintenance workers in the Highland Local School District, are used to difficult times. Despite being essential to maintaining safe and learning conditions and often being responsible for students’ lives, such “classified staff” in public schools are often overlooked and underrespected. The situation is made worse in Ohio, with 31 years of a Republican supermajority in the Ohio General Assembly failing to rectify Ohio’s inadequate and unlawful school-funding situation.

UE Hosts Japanese Allies in Chicago

August 3, 2026
Chicago

In June, members of the Japanese union Zenroren, an important UE ally, flew into Chicago for the Labor Notes Conference and extended their stay to visit important labor history sites and meet with UE members. The Zenroren delegation included Vice President Ritsu Takagi, Secretary General Koichi Kurosawa, and Deputy Secretary General Keisuke Fuse.

New Five-Year Contract for UE Local 690 Increases Wages, Paid Time Off

July 9, 2026
Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania

The members of UE Local 690 ratified a new five-year contract on May 27. The workers, employed by Kenson Plastics, produce plastic components and fixtures for sectors ranging from the aerospace to medical industries. The new agreement includes hourly wage increases of $1.45 in the first year and $1.00 in each of the remaining four years. Fabricators, which make up the majority of the local’s membership, will receive an additional $1.10 per hour with completion of four years of service. 

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