Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837 have rejected Boeing’s recent contract proposal, following 79 days of striking without pay or healthcare. The union’s bargaining committee met with Boeing through federal mediators over the past two days but found the company’s latest five-year offer unsatisfactory.
The union stated, “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.”
A key point of contention was language in the proposed “return to work” agreement. According to the union, “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.”
The union emphasized its position: “We’ve said it many times, and we’ll say it again: we will not vote on an insulting offer.”
IAM District 837 members previously passed a pre-ratified offer in September, which they say provides Boeing with employee approval and a clear path to ending the strike. The union claims Boeing has disregarded this proposal.
The statement also highlighted the specialized nature of the workforce: “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.”
Referencing a hearing on Capitol Hill, the union added: “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.”
The message concluded by encouraging continued unity: “Stay strong and stay united on the picket line. Together, we will continue to fight for the fair contract you deserve.”
