Thousands of Boeing’s unionized factory workers have voted overwhelmingly to go on strike, rejecting the company’s proposed contract that included a 25% wage increase over four years.
The vote, which took place on Thursday night, saw 94.6% of members from the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Districts 751 and W24 rejecting the contract, with 96% voting in favor of a strike. The walkout is set to begin at midnight Pacific Time.
The rejected contract aimed to address rising costs of living by offering significant pay increases, lower healthcare costs, and enhanced retirement contributions. However, many workers felt the proposal fell short of their demands, particularly the call for a 40% wage increase and the reinstatement of traditional pensions that were eliminated in previous negotiations.
Union members expressed widespread dissatisfaction, with some taking to social media to voice their grievances and participating in demonstrations.
IAM District 751 President Jon Holden noted the clear feedback from the workforce, stating, “Our members spoke loud and clear tonight.” He emphasized that the union would support the decision to strike, reflecting the frustration among workers regarding past compromises and the current offer.
If the strike proceeds, it could significantly disrupt Boeing’s production capabilities, particularly at its facilities in the Seattle region and Oregon, where the majority of the company’s commercial aircraft are manufactured.
While a strike would not directly impact airline travel in the short term, it could delay the delivery of new aircraft to airlines and exacerbate existing production challenges.
Boeing’s new CEO, Kelly Ortberg, had previously urged workers to accept the contract, warning that a strike would jeopardize the company’s recovery efforts and diminish trust with clients. Despite this appeal, the overwhelming rejection of the contract indicates deep-seated discontent among the workforce.
This strike vote occurs during a challenging time for Boeing, which has faced significant scrutiny over safety issues and production delays. The company has incurred substantial losses, totaling approximately $27 billion since 2019, and continues to navigate a complex landscape of regulatory challenges and operational setbacks.
In light of the recent safety incidents, including a door malfunction on a 737 Max aircraft, the pressure on Boeing to maintain production quality and restore confidence among airlines and regulators is greater than ever. The IAM’s decision to strike reflects the workers’ demand for fair compensation and improved working conditions amidst these challenges.
