General Electric aviation workers launch protest, demand to make ventilators
LYNN, Mass., - On Monday, General Electric factory workers launched two separate protests demanding that the company convert its jet engine factories to make ventilators. At GE's Lynn, Massachusetts aviation facility, workers held a silent protest, standing six feet apart. Union members at the company’s Boston headquarters also marched six feet apart, calling on the company to use its factories to help the country close its ventilator shortage amid the coronavirus pandemic, reports Edward Ongweso Jr. for Vice. Continue reading original article.
The Intelligent Aerospace take:
March 31, 2020-General Electric announced that it would be laying off 10 percent of its U.S. aviation workforce, which leaves approximately 2,600 workers without a job, alongside 50 percent of GE's maintenance workers getting laid off temporarily. The Boston-based aerospace giant said it would not be requesting funds from the recently-passed stimulus to aid businesses impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
GE's healthcare wing is already ramping up ventilator production at its factory in Wisconsin, according to the company.
“GE is working around the clock to increase production of much-needed medical equipment. GE Healthcare has already doubled ventilator production capacity, with a plan to double it again by June, in addition to partnering with Ford Motor Company to further increase ventilator production," the company said in a statement. "We continue to explore additional opportunities to support the fight against COVID-19, while continuing to support mission-critical work for our customers as well.”
Related: Airbus to pause majority of production in Spain until April 9
Related: Airbus partially resumes production as Boeing enacts temporary shutdowns
Jamie Whitney, Associate Editor
Intelligent Aerospace
