IAM District 837 of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers has criticized Boeing’s approach to ongoing labor negotiations, saying the company’s refusal to adjust its economic offer is hindering progress toward a new contract. The union communicated directly with its members, expressing frustration over Boeing’s stance since the start of a strike.
“Since the strike began, Boeing has continued to back itself into a corner,” the union stated. “The company keeps saying it will not change the ‘economic parameters’ of its offer. That’s not strength and that’s not bargaining — that’s stubbornness. And it’s a strategy that’s failing fast.”
The union estimates that their latest proposal would cost Boeing approximately $8 million more over four years compared to the first four years of Boeing’s most recent five-year offer, an amount they argue is small relative to other financial decisions by the company.
“Every day this strike continues, Boeing moves further away from meeting its obligations to our military and our allies, to its investors, and to taxpayers — all over $8 million spread across four years. At the same time, this company has handed out $100 million in golden parachutes to failed CEOs, reported $23 billion in third-quarter revenue, and sits on a $76 billion defense backlog.”
IAM District 837 accused Boeing of attempting “to break you — and to break your union,” but asserted that such tactics would not succeed or be acceptable for stakeholders relying on timely military production.
“It’s clear that the company is simply doing this to try to break you — and to break your union. It’s not going to work. And it shouldn’t be acceptable to anyone who counts on Boeing that they’re putting ego over military production and national security.”
The message emphasized negotiation as the only way forward: “Boeing can’t spin or stall its way out of this. The only path forward is to sit down and negotiate with the skilled, experienced workforce that actually builds these aircraft and keeps our national defense strong.”
The bargaining committee reaffirmed their readiness for talks: “Your IAM District 837 Bargaining Committee remains ready to reach a fair and realistic agreement — one that respects your value, restores dignity on the shop floor, and gets our members back to doing the work that only you can do.”
They concluded by urging unity among members: “Stay strong. Stay united. Boeing chose this fight — and only bargaining in good faith will end it.”
