Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837 have rejected Boeing’s latest contract proposal, calling it “disrespectful” and stating they will not vote on the offer. The union has been on strike for 79 days, with workers without pay or healthcare during this period.
According to a statement from the IAM District 837 Bargaining Committee, negotiations with Boeing through federal mediators over the past two days failed to produce a satisfactory agreement. The committee said: “After all this time, the company came back with a five-year offer that was nothing short of disrespectful to our members. The company made an offer that had no meaningful improvements in the areas our members have told us and the company they care about – retirement security, ratification bonus and top-of-scale wage growth. The company has insisted on a fifth year, despite adding no additional value to the fifth year.”
The union also criticized Boeing’s proposed “return to work” agreement, which would allow managers and non-union workers to perform union jobs for the first 30 days after employees return. Additionally, Boeing’s plan would terminate any member who does not immediately return to work, despite many having found other jobs during the strike. The committee called these terms “absolutely unacceptable.”
The statement continued: “We’ve said it many times, and we’ll say it again: we will not vote on an insulting offer.” Union leaders noted that members had previously passed a pre-ratified offer in September intended to provide Boeing with a clear path to end the strike, but said the company has ignored this proposal.
Highlighting the importance of their work, the committee stated: “This isn’t ‘Midwest Manufacturing,’ our members build the most advanced military aircraft in the world – the aircraft and military systems that keep our servicemembers and allies safe. These are not replaceable jobs. Our members deserve to be treated with the same respect and value that Boeing gives to every part of the so-called ‘One Boeing’ family the company always talks about.”
Referring to recent discussions in Congress, they added: “As we heard today on Capitol Hill, Boeing’s greed and disdain for the very employees who make its success possible is on full display. It’s long past time for Boeing to show some respect for its workforce and come to the table with a reasonable offer that recognizes your skill, dedication and experience, as well as the value you bring to this company and our nation.”
The message concluded by urging members to remain united on the picket line as they continue their efforts for what they consider a fair contract.
