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Boeing Union Slams Offer, Urges Workers to Strike

Union recommends workers vote against contract; some see $120M a day losses

By Harry Kimball, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 29, 2008 9:21 PM CDT

(Newser) – Boeing union leaders are urging members to turn down the company’s latest offer and go on strike, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports. Union chiefs have also filed a charge of unfair labor practice against management for "direct dealing with our members." Machinists plan to vote on Boeing's offer Wednesday and will need a two-thirds majority ballot to walk off the job.

Boeing's offer would boost pension benefit rates, gives workers a bonus of up to $5,000 each, and increase wages by 11% over 3 years. "We're extremely disappointed that the union is recommending that our employees reject the best contract in the aerospace industry,'' a Boeing rep told Bloomberg. A union leader said the offer "fell short on job security" and issues such as health care and vacation time.

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A strike sanction rally in Seattle. (AP Photo)

Tom Buffenbarger, president of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, speaks to Boeing workers. (AP Photo)

Workers assemble a Boeing 777 airplane on the line in Everett, Wash. (AP Photo)

Boeing 737 airplanes are shown lined up during assembly in Renton, Wash. (AP Photo)

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We're extremely disappointed that the union is recommending that our employees reject what adds up to the best contract in the aerospace industry. We hope our employees recognize the value of this offer.
- Tim Healy, Boeing spokesman

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Boeing Union Slams Offer, Urges Workers to Strike