A Boeing made a “final” wage proposal to striking workers, but the main union declined to vote, saying the offer did not meet its demands. The proposal includes the reinstatement of a performance bonus, improved retirement conditions and a $6.000 ratification bonus, conditional on acceptance by Friday.
IAM District 751 said it will not hold a new vote on the offer, which must be approved by Friday and has not been discussed with the union. Boeing faces growing pressure to end the strike, which could result in billions of dollars in losses, further worsening its financial problems.
“Logistically, we don’t have the capacity to organize a vote for 33.000 people in a few days like this anyway. Plus, it missed the mark on a lot of the things our said were important to them.”, said Jon Holden, the president of IAM District 751, who is the lead negotiator for the contract. Boeing.
In interview with Reuters, Holden said the union intended to interview on Monday night to gather their views on the union's latest proposal. Boeing. He also mentioned that the offer of Boeing did not fully address priorities related to retirement, salaries and other issues.
A Boeing in turn, said in a statement that its most recent proposal, drawn up after an unsuccessful federal mediation last week, presented significant improvements and considered the opinions of the union and workers.
“We first present the offer to the union and then share the details transparently with employees”said the company.
More than 32.000 employees of Boeing, in Portland and the Seattle area, walked off the job on Sept. 13, beginning the union’s first strike in 15 years. The workers, who are seeking a 40 percent pay raise and the restoration of a performance bonus, had turned down an earlier offer from the company.
The union represents workers who build the 737 MAX, the airline's best-selling aircraft. Boeing, as well as other models.
A Boeing Apple Inc. has decided to freeze hiring and begin furloughing thousands of employees in the U.S. as part of an effort to contain costs during the strike. The company has planned for workers to take one week off every four weeks during the strike. These extensive furloughs indicate that new CEO Kelly Ortberg is preparing for a prolonged shutdown that could be difficult to resolve given worker discontent.
Read also
