Boeing has filed an unfair labor practice charge against the Machinists union, accusing its leadership of failing to negotiate in good faith as the ongoing strike by 33,000 factory workers enters its fifth week.
In a filing with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) on Thursday, Boeing claimed that the union engaged in “regressive bargaining” and “surface bargaining,” misrepresented the terms of negotiations to its members, and failed to send representatives with authority to finalize a deal.
The strike, which began on September 13, has halted production of Boeing’s key aircraft, including the 737 MAX and the 767 and 777 models. Boeing withdrew its most recent contract offer earlier this week after two days of talks with federal mediators ended without progress. Both sides have accused each other of refusing to compromise.
The Machinists union, represented by IAM 751, has similarly accused Boeing of violating labor laws, alleging discriminatory conduct and coercive questioning of workers. Union President Jon Holden stated that Boeing overstated its most recent offer and that workers’ demands, including a 40% wage increase and the reinstatement of a defined-benefit pension, remain unmet. The union did not put Boeing’s latest proposal, which included a 30% wage increase over four years, to a vote.
Boeing maintains that it has made efforts to improve its offer and remains committed to finding a compromise. However, it criticized the union’s actions as hindering progress and filed the charge to ensure that NLRB and other interested parties have an accurate understanding of the negotiations.
The prolonged strike has led to growing financial pressure on Boeing, which has placed thousands of white-collar employees on furloughs and frozen most parts orders to conserve cash. US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg urged both sides to resolve the labor dispute, stating that a fair deal is achievable.
In a separate effort, 30 House Democrats sent a letter on Wednesday to Boeing and the union leadership, calling for good faith bargaining to reach a timely and equitable resolution. Despite these efforts, no further negotiation sessions have been scheduled at this time.
The Seattle Times and Reuters contributed to this report.
