Summary
- International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 751 union’s members approved a strike sanction vote.
- Boeing and IAM District 751 have begun negotiations in March.
- A potential strike could only add to the turmoil that Boeing was in.
Negotiating for a new contract that expires in September 2024, Boeing’s workers have voted to sanction a strike, which sent a message that the aircraft manufacturer’s employees deserve better, according to the union.
Accused of shortsighted decisions
In a statement, the International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 751 union, representing Boeing’s employees working at the company’s sites in Washington, United States, detailed that workers had put down their tools and went to cast votes at T-Mobile Park to cast their strike sanction vote.
The vote, held at the Seattle Mariners home stadium, passed by nearly 99.9%, according to the union. IAM District 751 detailed that the strike sanction vote provided advanced legal notice to the union, resulting in members receiving strike benefits without delays if they approve a strike on September 12.
“It also is a momentum builder for Machinists, sending a strong message to the company that collectively, our Members won’t accept anything less than the fair contract they deserve.”
Jon Holden, the president and directive business representative of IAM District 751, stated that bad decisions made by Boeing’s C-level executives “are short-term decisions with long-term consequences.”
The current contract between Boeing and IAM District 751 expires on September 12, and the two sides have been negotiating since March. The union cannot strike before the contract’s expiration date.
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Fighting for the company
Holden continued that the lack of vision by the aircraft manufacturer’s executives put the union’s members’ livelihoods at risk, with jobs, legacy, and reputation being at stake, concluding that IAM District 751 was “fighting to change this company and to save it from itself.”
“We aren’t just fighting for ourselves; we are fighting for everyone. From our family members to the flying public, we want everyone to be proud of this company once again. We are the watchdog with a unique opportunity to make things better for all.”
Photo: Boeing
According to the union’s statement, it was negotiating for wage growth for ten years of stagnant wages, health care plans enabling members to take care of their families, a dignified retirement plan, an improvement to the work/life balance, and others were some of the items that it was negotiating for.
An IAM District 751 flyer detailed that the union’s wage proposal included a 40% general wage increase (GWI) over three years, with increased minimum rates, shortened progression, and more money for each six-month seniority progression increase.
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Adding to the turmoil
Boeing’s latest update on the negotiations with IAM District 751 was on April 26, with the manufacturer stating that teams from both parties have continued to meet in subcommittees and at the main bargaining table.
Photo: VDB Photos | Shutterstock
Stephanie Pope, the president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Boeing Commercial Airplanes (BCA), shared that the two sides have been having constructive meetings.
She added that following a meeting with Holden, she was confident that both sides have been aligned and engaged on the future of Boeing.
A potential strike could add more turmoil to the company’s current status, with Boeing struggling to contain the fallout of the Alaska Airlines flight AS1282 mid-air door plug blowout that resulted in an additional round of scrutiny of the manufacturer’s safety and quality processes and subsequent aircraft delivery delays, as well as further issues when attempting to certify the 737 MAX 7 and 737 MAX 10.
The company had admitted as much in its special page dedicated to the negotiations with IAM District 751.
“While demand is strong, the Airbus market share has continued to grow over the past five years and now leads Boeing in orders and deliveries for the year, as well as total backlog.”
Photo: Boeing
Boeing attached a graph that showed that year-to-date (YTD), Boeing had 115 orders, while Airbus had 310, with deliveries being split 175 and 323, respectively. Meanwhile, Airbus’ backlog measured 8,585 aircraft, while Boeing’s net unfilled orders were 5,477 aircraft.
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