On October 23, during an ongoing strike in Renton, Washington, Boeing workers from the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers District 751 gathered on a picket line near the entrance to a Boeing production facility to vote on a new contract proposal. Year.
David Ryder | Reuters
boeing companyOn Monday, more than 32,000 striking mechanics will vote for a third time on the contract proposal.
If a simple majority approves the proposal, it would end a more than seven-week shutdown that has halted much of the troubled company’s aircraft production in what executives once considered a year in which Boeing could turn a profit. Another curve ball.
The proposal included a 38% pay increase over four years, higher than the 35% increase proposed by Boeing, but workers rejected the offer late last month, extending the strike. The agreement that started the strike in September provided a 25% pay increase, while the union had initially demanded a pay increase of about 40%.
Boeing said the average machinist salary at the end of this contract proposal will be $119,309.
Workers have complained about skyrocketing costs of living in the Seattle area, where Boeing produces most of its planes.
But unions warned after unveiling the proposals last Wednesday that the deal could be the best deal workers could get.
“In every negotiation and strike, there comes a time when we are doing our best to bargain and withhold labor,” International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers District 751 said in a statement. “We are now at the stage where There may be a risk of declining or lower quotes in the future.”
On Saturday, the union told workers, “Now is really the time to lock in these gains and work towards more in future negotiations. You can confidently declare victory, vote yes on this deal and keep working hard for generations to come.” “
Boeing Chief Executive Kelly Ortberg, who took over in August, also urged employees to return to work.
“I know this strike is difficult for you, our customers, suppliers, communities and everyone who works at Boeing,” he said in a staff note on Friday. “Now is the time for us all to come back together and focus on rebuilding the business and delivering the best aircraft in the world. There are so many people who depend on us.”
Boeing has raised more than $20 billion to shore up its finances.
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