Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837 have rejected Boeing’s latest contract proposal, calling it “disrespectful” and refusing to put it to a vote. The union, which has been on strike for 79 days, stated that the company’s five-year offer did not address key concerns such as retirement security, ratification bonuses, and wage growth.
According to the union’s statement, “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. The statement noted, “the company’s ‘return to work’ agreement included language allowing managers and non-union workers to perform our members’ work for the first 30 days back on the job. The company also wants to terminate any member who doesn’t immediately return to work, despite the fact that many of our members have taken other jobs to support their families during the strike. That is absolutely unacceptable.”
Union leaders emphasized that members had previously passed a pre-ratified offer in September, which they say would provide Boeing with workforce approval and a clear path to end the strike. “Our members already passed a sensible pre-ratified offer in September that gives Boeing the assurance of our members’ approval and a clear path to end this strike. Instead, Boeing continues to ignore that proposal and the voices of its own employees.”
The statement further highlighted the specialized nature of the union’s work: “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.”
Referencing recent discussions in Congress, the union said, “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 union concluded by urging members to “stay strong and stay united on the picket line. Together, we will continue to fight for the fair contract you deserve.”
