Tue, Apr 26, 2005
Machinists Say Onex's Offer "Unacceptable"
The Canadian investment firm Onex hasn't even officially
purchased the Boeing facility in Wichita yet, but already there are
signs the new management isn't getting along with its workers.
Local union leaders say the company's latest contract proposal is
"unacceptable."
"We feel that Onex is determined to break up the industrial
unions," wrote Steve Rooney, chief of the District 70 Machinists'
Lodge. His memo was quoted by the Wichita Business Journal. "We
helped build this company and we deserve better."
The offer now under discussion at what was once Boeing's
Commercial Aircraft Plant in Wichita calls for a ten-percent
reduction in pay for union workers. They'd also have to contribute
more toward their health plans and a change in job
descriptions.
Onex recently withdrew a similar contract offer to IBEW
electricians. And the Society of Professional Engineering Employees
in Aviation (SPEEA) is taking a tough stand as well, with leaders
publicly stating they don't expect to even be offered pay
reductions in their next negotiations.
"We do not expect reductions," according to a memo updating
SPEEA members on the talks. It, too, was quoted by the Wichita
Business Journal. "We do expect salary pools to provide appropriate
increases through the duration of an Onex contract."
A statement by Onex, however,
indicated the company will forge ahead with plans to reduce worker
outlay in Wichita.
"The data shows that Boeing wages and benefits for many of the
hourly groups are well above the local aerospace market and that
puts Wichita jobs at risk," said Onex Managing Partner Nigel Wright
in a prepared statement obtained by the Journal. "We have a solid
plan to preserve jobs and then increase them -- and we can achieve
this by offering wages and benefits that are at the top end of the
local aerospace market."
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