IAM District 837 of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) has rejected a recent contract proposal from Boeing after more than two months on strike. The union, representing workers in St. Louis, issued a statement criticizing the company’s latest five-year offer as lacking significant improvements in key areas such as retirement security, ratification bonuses, and wage growth.
The statement outlined that Boeing’s proposal did not address the concerns raised by union members throughout the negotiation process. It also criticized the inclusion of terms that would allow managers and non-union employees to perform union work for 30 days after returning to work, and provisions to terminate members who do not immediately return following the end of the strike.
The union emphasized its previous acceptance of a pre-ratified offer in September that it says provided Boeing with employee approval and a clear way to end the labor dispute. However, IAM claims that Boeing has ignored this proposal.
In their message to members, IAM District 837 stated: “Your IAM Union Bargaining Committee met with Boeing through federal mediators over the last two days. After 79 days on strike — without pay or healthcare thanks to Boeing — our members are still standing strong and united for the fair contract we deserve.
“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.
“In addition, 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.
“We’ve said it many times, and we’ll say it again: we will not vote on an insulting offer.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“Stay strong and stay united on the picket line. Together, we will continue to fight for the fair contract you deserve.”
The labor action has left workers without pay or healthcare since its start 79 days ago. Negotiations between IAM District 837 and Boeing continue amid ongoing picketing by union members.
