Well the other shoe has finally dropped. As reported by WISH TV News today.
http://www.wishtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=7737379

Keep in mind that this plant once employeed over 3,400 people.

By the information given GE is claiming to be losing $45 million a year at the plant. I wonder if that's actual loss? Or if they simply aren't hitting their profit goal? (To GE that's the same as a loss).

I.E.- They want to make $100 million profit but only make $55 million.

Also wondering if they will be moving the rest of production to the plant in Mexico? Where production has moved in the past. They want to be more "competitive". But you never see the price of a GE appliance actually drop (long term - outside of special sales).

To the union members left - Do any of you wish you'd stood up and striked in 2000 (as we originally voted to)?

I was always amazed at how the company was able to split that vote. By only laying off around 45% of the plant initially. And the strike vote was almost exactly down those lines. With those not losing their jobs then voting to pass the contract (not strike). Steve tried to show you what they were doing, but no one listened. People were only worried about their OWN jobs. Well now those are gone to.

I'm sure there will be some people that say. "Well atleast we got another 8 years." Or "It wouldn't have done any good to strike then anyway." It's that kind of thought (give up attitude), that's cost this nation so many good jobs in the past 15 years.