Over 3,000 Boeing Employees Strike After Contract Discussions Fail
(MENAFN) Roughly 3,200 unionized Boeing employees across Missouri and Illinois began a strike on Monday after labor contract discussions with the aerospace giant failed to reach an agreement.
The walkout had been anticipated following a vote by members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837, who turned down a revised four-year deal offered by Boeing.
This vote came on the heels of an earlier, decisive rejection of a previous contract proposal on July 27, just hours before the existing labor agreement officially expired at midnight.
The striking workers are stationed at Boeing’s locations in St. Louis and St. Charles, Missouri, and in Mascoutah, Illinois.
"We will be there on the picket lines, ensuring Boeing hears the collective power of working people," said IAM International President Brian Bryant in a Sunday statement.
"They deserve nothing less than a contract that keeps their families secure and recognizes their unmatched expertise," added Sam Cicinelli, IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President.
"Solidarity is our strength. This vote shows that when workers stand together, they can push back against corporate greed and fight for a better future for themselves and their families," said IAM Resident General Vice President Jody Bennett.
The IAM represents about 600,000 active and retired members across North America, spanning industries such as aerospace, defense, transportation, healthcare, and automotive.
Boeing expressed regret over the union’s decision. Dan Gillian, Boeing’s vice president and general manager of Air Dominance and the senior executive at its St. Louis site, responded in a statement, saying the company was "disappointed our employees rejected an offer that featured 40 percent average wage growth and resolved their primary issue on alternative work schedules."
He emphasized that Boeing "prepared for a strike and had fully implemented our contingency plan to ensure our non-striking workforce can continue supporting our customers."
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
