GE Plans to Cut Benefits for Its New Hires

General Electric Co. is planning cuts in benefits for new hires, a move that union leaders warned poses a threat to all employees at one of the world’s largest companies.

The cuts, which affect salaried employees hired after Jan. 1, 2005, eliminates company-paid medical coverage for early retirees and those over 65 and eliminates early retirement with a full pension at age 60, according to union and company officials. Other planned cuts would affect life insurance, early-retirement supplements and benefits associated with layoffs.