UPDATE. SEPT. 24: The machinist union expressed frustration with the offer Boeing made yesterday, saying that it was not negotiated with the union.
In a statement to IAM 751 members on Facebook they said, “Boeing took it upon itself to disrespect our entire Union by sending this offer directly to all members and the media without any prior communication from your Union.”
Boeing said its offer needed to be voted on by Friday, Sept. 27. Union representatives say that is not enough time to present details to members or set up voting locations.
The union said that they will not be voting on Sept. 27 because “The company has refused to meet for further discussion.”
The union has sent out a survey to members to get their views on the latest offer.
Boeing has not made a public comment since the statement last night, Sept. 23.
EVERETT, SEPT. 23: Boeing announced a new contract offer today in attempt to end the machinist union strike that has lasted more than two weeks and has cost the company half a billion dollars.
The offer increases the pay raise to 30% over four years, a 5% increase to the initial 25% offer. The union, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, initially fought for a 40% increase.
The offer does not restore a traditional pension plan that was eliminated about a decade ago, an additive that many union workers wanted.
The strike began Friday, Sept. 13, when union workers voted against Boeing’s initial contract with 96%. Many of the workers were upset that the pension plan was not included, and that the offer “didn’t keep up with living costs.”
Boeing said the offer is contingent on the contract ratification by 11:59 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27. At this time the union has not made a public comment.
Last week Boeing began to temporarily furlough non-union workers to preserve cash, CEO Kelly Ortberg told employees.
Here is what Boeing is offering:
- A 30% wage increase over four years
- A ratification bonus of $6,000
- Reinstated Aerospace Machinist Performance Program bonus, replacing contribution to an IAM 401k plan
- Increased company match on Boeing 401k to 100% of the first 8% an employee contributes, plus a continued automatic 4% company contribution
- All other terms of the Sept. 8 tentative agreement – “including a firm commitment to building Boeing’s next new airplane in the Puget Sound region and Portland“
To view the entirety of what Boeing is offering, see here.
