Other Provisions Included, Vote Set For November 4

Workers on strike at Boeing will vote on Monday October 4 on the latest offer from the company. The union representing the workers has endorsed the contract and hopes are high for an approval, but it depends on the workers affirming it in the vote.

The provisions represent an improvement over the previous offer, including a 38% wage hike over 4 years, a larger bonus of $12,000 for ratifying the contract, and improvements to retirement plans. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) told the workers it had extracted all it could from the company.

The IAM said, "In every negotiation and strike, there is a point where we have extracted everything that we can in bargaining and by withholding our labor. We are at that point now and risk a regressive or lesser offer in the future.”

Assistant Secretary of Labor Julie Su facilitated continued talks between the two sides and then praised them for working hard to negotiate the deal. 

Boeing said in a statement it encourages “all of our employees to learn more about the improved offer and vote in Monday, November 4.” An approval by the workers would be a big boost for new Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg, who is advocating for a “fundamental culture change” at the company after criticisms of its record on safety and quality control.

Resolution of the strike would also benefit aerospace companies who supply Boeing with components and parts for its 737, 767, and 777 aircraft. Production lines for those models have been shut down since the beginning of the strike.

FMI:  www.boeing.com/