General Electric's promise

Three years ago, General Electric threatened to close down the West Burlington plant, claiming it was unprofitable. After a $2.4 million gift from Iowa taxpayers, they said they would stick around for three years—only if the plant workers took a huge pay and benefits cut adding up to $8 million total.Funny thing is: GE has been raking in the profits. $88 billion over the last 11 years, in fact. GE has also turned tax avoidance into an art form—paying a paltry tax rate of 2.4% in the last several years because of offshore tax havens and corporate tax loopholes.

So why are they cutting jobs in Burlington? They have been more interested in their profits and avoiding taxes than keeping jobs in the United States.  In the last ten years GE has cut its U.S. workforce by 15,000 jobs and have added 30,000 jobs overseas.

It's time to tell GE to respect their workers and community, and keep their promise to stay in Burlington for the long haul.