In a significant development amid ongoing contract negotiations, Boeing—the aerospace giant—has put forth what it terms its “best and final offer” to striking union machinists.
This offer includes substantial wage increases and larger bonuses, aiming to resolve the labor dispute that has affected operations since September 13, 2024.
Boeing Offer Details
Boeing’s latest proposal addresses feedback from both the union and its employees. Here are the key points:
The company is offering a remarkable 30% pay increase over a four-year period. This represents a significant improvement from their initial proposal, which had been overwhelmingly rejected earlier in the month.
Notably, the union had originally demanded a 40% raise over three years, but the new offer bridges that gap.
In addition to the wage increase, Boeing sweetened the deal by doubling the size of ratification bonuses. Employees who accept the offer will receive a substantial $6,000 bonus.
Despite these enhancements, tensions remain high.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers district 751, representing the factory workers who assemble some of Boeing’s best-selling planes, expressed dissatisfaction.
They argue that the proposal falls short of addressing their concerns and have pushed back against Boeing’s timeline for voting.
Union’s Response and Financial Pressures
Union leaders have taken a firm stance. They assert that Boeing cannot unilaterally decide when or if the workers vote. The lack of further discussion and bargaining before publicizing the offer has irked the union.
Consequently, they have decided not to hold a ratification vote on Friday, as Boeing had insisted.
The strike has created financial pressures for both parties. Striking workers face the loss of company-provided health insurance at the end of the month, adding urgency to the resolution.
Meanwhile, Boeing has implemented rolling furloughs for non-unionized employees to mitigate costs during the strike.
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