Boeing factory workers in Washington state vote in favor of strike mandate, union says
Boeing’s Washington state factory workers voted by more than 99% in favor of a strike mandate, their union said on Wednesday evening, as they seek a 40% raise in their first full negotiation with the planemaker in 16 years. Earlier in the day, many of the estimated 30,000 workers who build Boeing’s 737 MAX and other jets crowded to vote at Seattle’s T-Mobile Park, although they cannot strike before their contract expires on Sept. 12. Boeing’s labor talks come as the U.S. planemaker loses ground to rival Airbus and navigates a crisis that erupted after a door plug blew off an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX jet in mid-air on Jan. 5. The planemaker also faces other issues. Union local president Jon Holden of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) said bad decisions made at the executive level of Boeing are putting workers’ livelihoods at risk. “Our jobs, our legacy and our reputation are on the line right now,” Holden said in a statement. Asked for comment on the vote result, Boeing referred to a statement it made earlier this week, which said: “We remain confident we can reach a deal that balances the needs of our employees and the business realities we face as a company.” While the vote is considered procedural, the union held the event with music, speeches, a motorcycle convoy and signs with such slogans as “no pay no planes.” “It does empower the negotiating committee, it does send a strong message,” Holden said in an earlier interview with Reuters. The vote in favor of a strike mandate frees up funds in case members decide to strike later.<br/>
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Boeing factory workers in Washington state vote in favor of strike mandate, union says
Boeing’s Washington state factory workers voted by more than 99% in favor of a strike mandate, their union said on Wednesday evening, as they seek a 40% raise in their first full negotiation with the planemaker in 16 years. Earlier in the day, many of the estimated 30,000 workers who build Boeing’s 737 MAX and other jets crowded to vote at Seattle’s T-Mobile Park, although they cannot strike before their contract expires on Sept. 12. Boeing’s labor talks come as the U.S. planemaker loses ground to rival Airbus and navigates a crisis that erupted after a door plug blew off an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX jet in mid-air on Jan. 5. The planemaker also faces other issues. Union local president Jon Holden of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) said bad decisions made at the executive level of Boeing are putting workers’ livelihoods at risk. “Our jobs, our legacy and our reputation are on the line right now,” Holden said in a statement. Asked for comment on the vote result, Boeing referred to a statement it made earlier this week, which said: “We remain confident we can reach a deal that balances the needs of our employees and the business realities we face as a company.” While the vote is considered procedural, the union held the event with music, speeches, a motorcycle convoy and signs with such slogans as “no pay no planes.” “It does empower the negotiating committee, it does send a strong message,” Holden said in an earlier interview with Reuters. The vote in favor of a strike mandate frees up funds in case members decide to strike later.<br/>
