Striking Boeing workers in the US will vote this week on a pay increase of 35% that could end industrial action.
Since mid September, around 33,000 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers have been on strike. Most of these employees are in Washington State.
On Wednesday, 23 October, the vote will be held on an agreement that includes a 35 percent pay rise over four years, as well as a $7,000 bonus for ratification and increased pension contributions.
Boeing released a statement at the weekend saying it looked forward to the negotiations, and the union stated that it received a proposal “worthy of consideration” from the company.
In an announcement made earlier this month, the manufacturer of planes announced that it would reduce a tenth its global workforce because of financial problems. In a press release, the company said that it needed to “reset our workforce levels” to match its financial reality.
Senators from Washington State have also called for an agreement. They wrote a letter to both sides urging them to “work out quickly a fair and lasting deal that acknowledges the importance to Boeing of the machinists’ workforce”.
The union was seeking a 40 percent pay raise over three to four year period, along with additional benefits and the reinstatement of Boeing’s pension plan. Boeing’s 25% offer was rejected and IAM refused to vote for the “best and last” 30% offer.
IAM stated about the latest offer, “The company’s improved proposal is testament to the determination and dedication of frontline workers that have been on strike. And to the strong support received by so many.”
Boeing’s frontline workers, whose commitment to their families and communities has made the company successful in the previous years, will carefully review and vote on this proposal.
The workers will decide in the end if this proposal is enough to meet their legitimate needs, and achieve respect and fairness within Boeing.
Boeing’s IAM members, like many other workers in America, have made sacrifices for their employer. This was true even during the pandemic, when workers reported to the factory while executives stayed home. All of these sacrifices deserve to be recognized.
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