Approximately 20,000 GE workers plan to go on strike this week
for two days to protest a hike in healthcare co-pays that union
officials say will cost some employees an additional $400 a year in
copayments. GE's PR department is saying only that its benefits are
in line with those offered by other companies in the industry and
that the company will meet customer needs during the strike. The
healthcare issue is one for all communications execs to watch in
2003 as rising costs for employees create more friction with
internal audiences already are wary of senior management in the
wake of last year's scandals. (GE, 203/379-2211; see PR NEWS'
online archives - http://www.PRandMarketing.com -
for how to communicate during a strike)
GE Employees Shine Light on Key Internal Communications Issue
