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Tuesday, January 14, 2003

GE workers set to hit bricks

Thousands of General Electric Co. workers nationwide are expected to walk off the job today and tomorrow to protest an increase in health-care copayments. The strike, the first national walkout at GE since 1969, involves the International Union of Electronic Workers/Communications Workers of America, which represents about 13,900 employees, or 5 percent of GE's work force, and the Pittsburgh-based United Electrical Radio and Machine Workers of America, which represents about 5,000 GE employees. The strike could affect GE's large locomotive plant in Erie and a small glass plant in Bridgeville.

Federated foresees sales drop

Federated Department Stores Inc., parent of the Lazarus and Macy's chains, said yesterday that it expected January same-store sales to drop by 4 percent to 5 percent from a year ago. Same-store sales measure sales at stores that have been open at least a year. Last week, Federated reported December same-store sales fell 2.6 percent.

PPG may revise chemical tests

PPG Industries said it would ask for an extension to submit a revised testing plan for one of its chemicals that involves using animals. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) protested the testing method, which it claimed would involve killing 900 to 1,500 animals. PPG said it held discussions with PETA and the Environmental Protection Agency about the testing plan and voluntarily agreed to revisions.

Emeritus title for Blattner

Joe Blattner, founder of the Downtown ad agency Blattner Brunner, plans to take a step back from the business, assuming the title of chairman emeritus. Michael Brunner will now serve as both president and chairman. The agency has about $125 million in annual billings.

Akustica in joint agreement

Akustica Inc. said yesterday that it had entered into a joint agreement with GN ReSound Group to develop Akustica's System-on-Chip solutions for GN ReSound's hearing aid products. Pittsburgh-based Akustica's AkuSound chips are used to improve the performance of hearing aids, mobile phones and other devices. Terms of the agreement weren't disclosed.

Ready to rise from the mattress

Mattress Discounters Corp. announced that it was on schedule to emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization as early as March. The Maryland retailer, which had 13 area stores when it filed in October, has closed stores in California and is focusing on its most profitable areas, including the Northeast and mid-Atlantic states.

Also in business ...

Robert Morris University, Moon, will dedicate its PPG Industries Career and Leadership Development Center tomorrow. The PPG Industries Foundation provided $350,000 for the school to renovate and expand its existing career center ... A store at Antalya Airport on Turkey's Mediterranean coast has become the 500th General Nutrition Center international franchise location. The franchise came through General Nutrition International Inc., a subsidiary of Pittsburgh-based GNC Franchising Inc.