A strike by Boeing factory workers shows no signs of ending after its first week
Boeing has started rolling furloughs of nonunion employees as a week-old labor strike by 33,000 union machinists shows no signs of ending
A labor strike at Boeing showed no signs of ending Friday, as the walkout by 33,000 union machinists entered its eighth day and the company started rolling furloughs of nonunion employees to conserve cash.
Federal mediators joined talks between Boeing and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers this week, but company and union officials reported that little progress was made during the first two sessions.
“While we are disappointed the discussions didn’t lead to more progress, we remain very committed to reaching an agreement as soon as possible that recognizes the hard work of our employees and ends the work stoppage in the Pacific Northwest,” Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg said in a note to employees.
The union said no further talks have been scheduled.
The walkout started Sept. 13, when members of a regional district of the IAM union voted 96% in favor of a strike after they rejected a proposed contract that would have raised their pay by 25% over four years. Workers say they want raises of 40% and a restoration of traditional pension benefits that were eliminated about a decade ago.
Union leaders, who recommended approval of the contract offer, pivoted quickly and surveyed the rank-and-file to learn what they want in a new contract.
The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service met with both sides Tuesday and Wednesday, but mediation ended without a resolution.
“While we remain open to further discussions, whether directly or through mediation, currently, there are no additional dates scheduled,” IAM District 751 officials said.
The strike mostly involves
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