Contract talks stalled between 
Boeing
and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers after the latest negotiation sessions reached a stalemate. In an update on X and Facebook, the IAMAW asserted on Friday that Boeing could not engage substantively.’ The Union could not agree with Boeing on key issues for its members, which include higher pay and restoring a denied benefit pension.
Boeing has stressed to the Associated Press that it is committed to bargaining in good faith and will meet at any time to reach an agreement as quickly as possible. The manufacturer on Monday released its ‘best and final’ offer, which would include a pay rise of 30% over four years. This is an increase from the 25% that was rejected on September 12. Union members’ original demand was 40% over three years.
Angering union leaders
Affecting 33,000 machinists, the strike has now entered its third week. The walkout has halted production of Boeing’s most popular aircraft, and while it has not disrupted any airline flights, pressure on the manufacturer will have already had financial, legal, and mechanical effects throughout this year. Shane Vanpelt, a Boeing machinist and IAM member, noted:
“We’re asking for more than they’re offering. (Boeing) is gonna lay everyone off, well, you’re going to have layoffs anyways. We know this because we know Boeing’s history, and if nothing else, they’re predictable. They’re going to lay people off regardless, but that’s not up to us. What’s up to us is trying to get the best deal possible for everyone, so we’ve got no choice but to strike.”
Photo: Coby Wayne | Shutterstock
Recent surveys of members have identified the need for reinstatement of the defined benefit pension, which was axed ten years ago. According to the Union’s IAM District 751 post on Facebook, Boeing remains stagnant on not unfreezing the benefit plan and that higher pay, quicker wage progression, and more paid time off would remain the top priority of negotiations.
Related
How Long Do You Think The Boeing Strike Will Last?
Boeing’s machinists are striking in its plants in the Pacific Northwest for the first time in 16 years, and the company faces losses of $100 million a day, for each day production is halted, according to some estimates.
The last IAM 751 & 70 strike in 2008 lasted 58 days, meaning Boeing could accrue over $5 billion in losses if this strike continues for a similar time. It’s not the longest strike at Boeing’s facilities. An IAM 751 & 70 strike in 1948 lasted 145 days. The shortest strike by these unions was 19 days back in 1965.
Boeing’s customers need its aircraft, and its workers need the work, but they are expecting more than the 25% raise and other incentives on the table. The union seems prepared to hold out for a better deal. Despite furloughing thousands of employees, Boeing faces an imminent cash crunch. The company needs $10 billion in cash to maintain operations, and, as of its Q2 report on June 30, it had $12 billion in cash.
That doesn’t leave much room for a strike to s
Many members of the public have asked what they can do to support Boeing’s workers, and Shane Vanpelt, in Fight Back News, has asked the public to get out and support those on the picket line.