Boeing machinists are casting their votes Thursday on the company’s latest contract offer, with a significant strike mandate appearing increasingly likely, the Seattle Times reports.
The vote follows considerable unrest among union members, who have expressed strong dissatisfaction with the tentative agreement reached between union leaders and Boeing management last Sunday. Josh Hajek, a five-year Boeing employee in Renton, described the mood among workers as one of shock and frustration, with ongoing rallies and protests occurring at various Boeing facilities.
Union members, who have been vocally critical of the proposed contract, have organized frequent demonstrations, including horn honking and chanting, to voice their discontent. Despite these efforts, Jon Holden, president of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers District 751, acknowledged that the contract offer is likely to be rejected, leading to a probable strike.
If the vote aligns with expectations, a strike could commence at 12:01 a.m. Friday, halting Boeing’s manufacturing operations. The result of the vote will be announced Thursday evening at the union’s South Park headquarters.
Boeing’s new CEO, Kelly Ortberg, has made a last-ditch appeal to avert a strike, emphasizing that such an action would jeopardize the company’s recovery efforts. Ortberg recognized the lingering bitterness from past negotiations, including the contentious agreement from a decade ago that led to significant concessions from the union.
In his message to machinists, Ortberg urged them to consider the broader implications of a strike on the company’s future and emphasized the potential negative impact on trust and delivery schedules. Despite this, machinists like Jake Reis remain resolute, arguing that management should not shift the burden of past mistakes onto employees.
The proposed contract includes notable wage increases, but many machinists view these as insufficient or misleading, given the elimination of annual bonuses. The contract’s terms and the loss of bonuses have led to significant discontent among workers, with some viewing the offer as an attempt to obscure the real impact of the changes.
The potential strike could have wide-reaching effects, impacting not just Boeing but also its extensive network of suppliers and local businesses. Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers highlighted the regional significance of the situation, noting the potential economic impact on the community.
While the prospect of a strike poses challenges for both the workers and the company, machinists are preparing for a potentially prolonged labor dispute, with some already making financial preparations to sustain themselves during a strike. The union plans to provide strike pay starting from the third week of any work stoppage.
