Boeing has filed a lawsuit in thetional Labor Relations Board (NLRB), accusing 33.000 workers at the West Coast plant of “bad faith bargaining.” The lawsuit, filed on October 10, 2024, criticizes the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), which represents the workers on strike for nearly five weeks, for a “pattern of bad faith bargaining.”
According to Business Standard, on October 11, 2024, the aircraft manufacturer stated in a filing with the NLRB that the “the union’s public narrative is misleading […] making it difficult to find a solution for our employees”. Boeing clarified that it made the decision to file its complaint so that, according to the manufacturer, the NLRB and other relevant parties would have a more accurate representation of the events of the past few weeks.
“The solution will be one that s workers, that is compatible with the success of the business”, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg told local reporters at a press event held at the department's headquarters yesterday, October 10. “We think both things are absolutely compatible and there is a deal to be made.”
As of October 11, 2024, IAM workers had yet to respond to the lawsuit. A day earlier, the union shared a statement on Facebook, emphasizing that “There is no Boeing without IAM”.
This measure by the manufacturer was taken after two unsuccessful negotiations with the union on October 8 and 9, 2024, the second round since September.
The recent allegation of Boeing highlights the growing tension in labor negotiations with the union, as it faces financial challenges that could result in a loss of approximately US$10 billion in 2024 if the strike drags on into the last quarter.
The meetings took place before the Boeing submit its “best and final offer” on September 23, 2024, which included a 30% pay increase over the next four years and additional bonuses. However, the union rejected the proposal, saying it was “not good enough” as they are seeking a 40% increase and the reinstatement of a pension plan that was withdrawn in 2014.
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