Machinists Urge Review of GE Plan to Close New Mexico Jet Engine Facility

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., July 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The International
Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) today called on General
Electric to suspend plans to close its aircraft engine assembly plant in
Albuquerque, NM, pending a full review of all options.

"A decision to close a high-end manufacturing facility that employs a skilled
workforce of more than 400 employees deserves to be thoroughly reviewed by
state and local officials, as well as workers' representatives," said Gary
Allen, IAM Western Territory General Vice President. "There may very well be
alternatives to closing the facility that GE has not considered."

A spokesperson for General Electric blamed the planned closure on a decline in
demand for parts made at the facility, which has weathered economic ups and
downs in the same location since it opened its doors nearly 40 years ago.

"General Electric and Albuquerque have enjoyed a mutually beneficial
relationship for decades and this city deserves better than to be abandoned
with hardly an adios," said Allen. "We look forward to meeting with all
stakeholders, including New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson and Albuquerque Mayor
Martin J. Chavez to explore ways to keep this facility open and this
relationship going."

The IAM is among the nation's largest industrial trade unions, representing
nearly 700,000 active and retired members under more than 5,000 contracts in
aerospace, manufacturing, transportation, shipbuilding and defense-related
industries. For more information, visit www.goiam.org.

SOURCE International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers

Ernest Dow of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace
Workers, +1-505-242-9622 (office), +1-505-270-8155 (cell)