EVERETT, NOV.5: More than 33,000 Machinist Union Workers will return to work over the next week after they voted to approve Boeing’s latest contract offer yesterday, Nov. 4.
59% of the International Association of Machinist and Aerospace Workers (IAM) voted to accept the third and final proposal, ending a strike that has lasted more than seven weeks.
The offer includes a 43.65% compounded wage increase, or 38% before compounding, over the four-year life of the contract, the union said.
“Through this victory and the strike that made it possible, IAM members have taken a stand for respect and fair wages in the workplace. Our members perform high quality and flight critical work for the airplanes we build and deserve a return on their labor investment that provides for the quality of life worthy of that labor,” Jon Holden, President of IAM District 751 and Brandon Bryant, President of IAM District W24 said.
One request wasn’t added to the offer, which was workers’ demand to restore a company pension plan that was halted nearly a decade ago.
What was included in the offer was a $12,000 ratification bonus, 401 (k) employer match, and improved overtime rules.
Boeing reported a third-quarter loss of more than $6 billion last week, just before union workers voted on the second offer. The second offer was rejected with 64% of voters against.
“While the past few months have been difficult for all of us, we are all part of the same team,” Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg said in a message to employees. “We will only move forward by listening and working together. There is much work ahead to return to the excellence that made Boeing an iconic company.”
According to the union, workers can return to work as early as tomorrow, Nov. 6. All workers must return to work by Tuesday, Nov. 12.
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UPDATE: Everett Boeing facility protests union contract, strike looms
