Business: Toughening Altitude

The toughening attitude of management in union bargaining, which showed up in the U.A.W.-automakers talks, was demonstrated again last week by General Electric. After seven weeks of bargaining with James Carey's International Union of Electrical Workers, G.E. walked out of the meetings vowing not to return.

The talks were a security-benefits re-opener of the five-year contract (to 1960), and the union wanted to discuss fringe benefits, including higher layoff pay. Instead, G.E. offered a new security-and-savings plan, based on a worker's earnings, to be financed by lowering automatic pay boosts. For every $1 contributed by an employee (up to 6% of his...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!