GE Healthcare Workers in Aurora Vote to Join IAM Union

In January 2025, workers at GE Healthcare’s Aurora facility voted to join the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM). This unionization marks the first new union at the company in over 40 years. The vote was supported by 130 employees who are involved in producing MRI machine coils at the Aurora facility. This historic move represents a significant shift in labor representation at GE Healthcare, as the company has not seen new unionization in more than four decades.

The decision to form a union came after a period of increasing concerns among workers at the Aurora facility about their working conditions, pay, and overall treatment by management. Employees sought to improve workplace safety, secure better benefits, and establish a more transparent and equitable approach to workplace issues. The unionization vote provides them with an organized structure through which they can collectively negotiate these concerns with GE Healthcare.

The vote to join IAM was a result of multiple discussions and organizing efforts by the workers, who sought the backing of a well-established union to help address these workplace issues. IAM is a significant labor union in the United States, known for its long history of advocating for workers in a variety of industries, including healthcare, aerospace, and manufacturing. The successful vote is a key moment for IAM and the workers, signaling that labor unions continue to play an important role in advocating for fair working conditions.

The unionization of GE Healthcare’s Aurora facility is a positive outcome for the workers involved. For these employees, joining IAM provides a pathway to better working conditions through collective bargaining. Unionized workers have the right to negotiate their wages, benefits, and working conditions with their employer, which is often seen as a way to address imbalances of power in the workplace.

One of the main benefits of unionization is the ability to negotiate for higher wages. With inflation and the rising cost of living, many workers have been pushing for higher pay to keep up with economic pressures. Additionally, union membership offers greater job security, as contracts negotiated with the employer provide more stability and protection against layoffs or unfair treatment.

Another key benefit is access to better benefits. Workers in unionized environments often secure improved healthcare coverage, paid leave, retirement benefits, and other important perks. For employees at the Aurora facility, these benefits can significantly improve their quality of life and provide them with more financial security for themselves and their families.

Unionization also provides a stronger voice for employees when it comes to workplace safety. The production of MRI machine coils is a specialized and often complex job, and ensuring that workers are in a safe and healthy environment is critical. Through their union, employees can raise concerns about safety issues, ensuring that management takes the necessary steps to address hazards or risks on the job.

Having union representation gives workers the ability to voice concerns without the fear of retaliation, which can be a serious concern in non-unionized environments. With the support of IAM, workers can approach issues collaboratively, knowing they have the backing of a larger organization. The IAM’s role is to advocate on behalf of the workers and to ensure that any labor disputes or disagreements are resolved in a fair and just manner.

The union’s presence also serves to level the playing field between employees and management, ensuring that employees are not marginalized or ignored when it comes to issues like pay discrepancies or working conditions. This can lead to an overall more productive and positive work environment, where employees feel valued and empowered to do their best work.

The decision to unionize the GE Healthcare Aurora facility is significant not just for the workers, but also for IAM, marking the first time in over 40 years that the company has seen a new union formed. This success will likely encourage other employees at other GE Healthcare facilities to consider unionization if they are facing similar concerns. It is also a demonstration of the continued relevance of unions in advocating for workers' rights in the modern workforce.

While the company has not yet publicly commented on the union vote, the next step will be for GE Healthcare to enter into negotiations with IAM

representatives to establish a collective bargaining agreement. This contract will cover important matters such as wages, benefits, safety standards, and other key issues that are crucial to the well-being of employees.

The unionization of GE Healthcare’s Aurora facility is part of a broader trend of increased union activity in the United States. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of unionization efforts in industries that have long been considered resistant to collective bargaining. As workers across different sectors become more vocal about their need for fair pay, better benefits, and improved working conditions, this move by the Aurora employees signals a shift in how labor unions are viewed and their importance in modern American workplaces.

For the workers at GE Healthcare, the successful vote to join IAM is a win. It is a clear signal that they are committed to improving their work environment and securing a better future for themselves and their families. As negotiations with the company move forward, this unionization could set a positive precedent for other workers in similar industries, showcasing the value of collective action in securing workers' rights.

The unionization of GE Healthcare’s Aurora facility represents a positive step forward for workers in the modern workforce. By joining IAM, these 130 employees gain access to the power of collective bargaining, which can lead to better wages, improved benefits, and safer working conditions. This milestone is an important reminder of the ongoing relevance of unions in advocating for workers and ensuring that their voices are heard in workplaces across the country. As the negotiation process continues, the impact of this decision will likely be felt beyond the Aurora facility, contributing to the broader movement for workers' rights across the nation.