International Union of Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers, Local 182 (Hickory, N.C.)

In 1958, a group of workers at the General Electric Company plant in Hickory, N.C., proposed forming a labor union to improve working conditions and rates of pay. Although met by strong opposition, the workers won an election to organize. In 1961, the International Union of Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers (IUE), CIO, chartered Local 182, an affiliate of IUE District 1, to serve the plant. In 1997, General Electric determined that the Hickory factory was no longer profitable, shut it down, and moved the work to Monterrey, Mexico.

In 1958, a group of workers at the General Electric Company plant in Hickory, N.C., proposed forming a labor union to improve working conditions and rates of pay. Although met by strong opposition, the workers won an election to organize. In 1961, the International Union of Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers (IUE), CIO, chartered Local 182, an affiliate of IUE District 1, to serve the General Electric plant. By 1963, the members had purchased land for a union hall near the plant. Members of Local 182 dedicated the new union hall in 1966.

The union organized strikes, including a 101-day strike, 1969-1970; filed grievances with the National Labor Relations Board; and sponsored social activities, including organizing Christmas parties, packing fruit baskets for striking members, and participating in Labor Day parades, beauty pageants in Asheville, N.C., and other social events.

For 40 years, members of Local 182 made electric transformers at the Hickory plant. In 1997, General Electric determined that the Hickory factory was no longer profitable, shut it down, and moved the work to Monterrey, Mexico. Members of Local 182 closed the union hall in 1997.