Members of IAM District 837 have rejected a new contract proposal from Boeing, describing it as lacking meaningful improvements in key areas such as retirement security, ratification bonuses, and top-of-scale wage growth. The union, which has been on strike for 79 days without pay or healthcare, stated that the latest five-year offer from Boeing did not address their main concerns.
The union’s statement said: “Your IAM Union Bargaining Committee met with Boeing through federal mediators over the last two days. After 79 days on strike — without pay or healthcare thanks to Boeing — our members are still standing strong and united for the fair contract we deserve.
“After all this time, the company came back with a five-year offer that was nothing short of disrespectful to our members. The company made an offer that had no meaningful improvements in the areas our members have told us and the company they care about – retirement security, ratification bonus and top-of-scale wage growth. The company has insisted on a fifth year, despite adding no additional value to the fifth year.
“In addition, the company’s ‘return to work’ agreement included language allowing managers and non-union workers to perform our members’ work for the first 30 days back on the job. The company also wants to terminate any member who doesn’t immediately return to work, despite the fact that many of our members have taken other jobs to support their families during the strike. That is absolutely unacceptable.
“We’ve said it many times, and we’ll say it again: we will not vote on an insulting offer.
“Our members already passed a sensible pre-ratified offer in September that gives Boeing the assurance of our members’ approval and a clear path to end this strike. Instead, Boeing continues to ignore that proposal and the voices of its own employees.
“This isn’t ‘Midwest Manufacturing,’ our members build the most advanced military aircraft in the world – the aircraft and military systems that keep our servicemembers and allies safe. These are not replaceable jobs. Our members deserve to be treated with the same respect and value that Boeing gives to every part of the so-called ‘One Boeing’ family the company always talks about.
“As we heard today on Capitol Hill, Boeing’s greed and disdain for the very employees who make its success possible is on full display. It’s long past time for Boeing to show some respect for its workforce and come to the table with a reasonable offer that recognizes your skill, dedication and experience, as well as the value you bring to this company and our nation.
“Stay strong and stay united on the picket line. Together, we will continue to fight for the fair contract you deserve.”
The union emphasized that they had previously passed a pre-ratified offer in September which they believe would provide a clear resolution to end the ongoing strike. They criticized Boeing for not engaging with this earlier proposal or adequately addressing employee concerns.
The ongoing dispute centers around contract terms affecting job security, compensation, return-to-work provisions, and recognition of worker contributions in manufacturing military aircraft. The strike continues as both parties remain at an impasse over these issues.
