Striking Boeing workers file federal labor complaint over bargaining
Published in Business News
ST. LOUIS — The union representing workers on strike from The Boeing Co. said it has filed an unfair labor charge against the aerospace giant, accusing the company of refusing to bargain in good faith.
Members with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Union, which represents more than 3,200 Boeing workers in St. Louis, St. Charles and Mascoutah, Illinois, have been on strike since Aug. 4.
In the past two months, Boeing workers have rejected multiple Boeing contract offers and, in turn, Boeing shot down the union’s pre-approved contract. Last month, the union and Boeing remained at odds during contract negotiations despite the efforts of federal mediators.
Now the IAM Union said it has filed an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board against Boeing for refusing to bargain in good faith. In a press release, the union said that Boeing has rejected multiple union proposals without making counter offers addressing member concerns, in violation of its legal duty.
“IAM Union members put forward a fair, responsible proposal that would have ended this strike,” IAM Union Resident General Vice President Jody Bennett said in a statement. “Boeing’s refusal to even respond with an improved offer is an insult to every worker who builds this nation’s defense aircraft — and to the taxpayers footing the bill for the company’s delays.”
A Boeing spokesperson said in a statement that there is nothing unfair about the company’s “landmark contract offer for Midwest manufacturing.”
“We’re surprised by the union’s latest publicity stunt, especially since the parties have been engaged for several weeks with the help of a federal mediator,” the statement reads.
Boeing leadership has previously vowed that the company won’t budge on its stance.
“Some may convince you that holding the line will result in more money. It won’t,” Steve Parker, president and CEO of the company’s defense division, wrote in a note to workers last week.
Boeing’s latest offer to workers includes a 24% general wage increase over five years, with a $4,000 ratification bonus. The company said under its plan that average wages would rise from $75,000 to $109,000 and that it is “the best deal we’ve ever offered to IAM 837.”
Unionized workers have approved a contract that includes a 20% general wage increase over five years and a $10,000 ratification bonus. It would also give senior employees pay raises instead of lump sum payments the company has offered.
Boeing’s local workers help assemble the F-15 and F-18 fighter jets, T-7A trainer and MQ-25 refueling drone. Last week, Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach told the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee in written testimony that deliveries of F-15EX fighter jets will be delayed due to the ongoing Boeing strikes.
“This strike is about respect and fairness,” IAM District 837 Directing Business Representative Tom Boelling said in a statement. “Our members are standing up for their families, their future, and for fair treatment at the bargaining table. Boeing’s delays are hurting its own production, putting critical defense contracts at risk, and showing that you can’t replace skilled union labor with untrained temps
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