West Coast workers began voting on a controversial contract and the possibility of a strike on Thursday, intensifying pressure on the Boeing. An impending strike would be a major hurdle for new CEO Kelly Ortberg, who was recently appointed to restore confidence in the company.
About 30.000 workers who produce the company's 737 MAX, 767 and 777 jets Boeing Workers in the Seattle and Portland regions are voting on their first full-scale contract in 16 years. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) will release the results tonight.
The proposed contract includes a 25% pay increase, a $3.000 g bonus and a promise to build the company's next commercial jet. Boeing in Seattle if the program begins within four years. If approved, the strike could begin as early as midnight.
“A strike would put our shared recovery at risk, further eroding trust with our customers and damaging our ability to determine our future together”, CEO Ortberg's letter to employees said.
During a contract meeting at the IAM (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) office in Seattle on Wednesday, six workers from Boeing stated to Reuters who will vote to strike and are confident that the majority of union will follow suit.
For Kelly Ortberg, new CEO of Boeing, labor negotiations are a key test, especially after his arrival in August with a commitment to improve labor relations and increase 737 MAX production.
Airlines that use Boeing aircraft could also face problems in the event of a strike. Michael O'Leary, CEO of Ryanair, commented on Thursday that a strike could further delay aircraft deliveries, but believes that if it happens, it will be brief. “We would like to see the labor agreement resolved”, he said.
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