Striking machinists are set to vote Wednesday on Boeing’s latest contract proposal, potentially ending the weekslong strike that has nearly crippled the aerospace manufacturer.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers will vote on the newest contract proposal starting at 8 a.m. PDT, with polls closing at 5 p.m. The contract needs simple majority support for ratification.
The proposal includes a 35% pay increase, a $7,000 ratification bonus, increased benefits contributions and the reinstatement of an incentive plan. The latest proposal improves upon Boeing’s last “best and final” offer, which included a 30% pay raise.
However, the latest proposal is still well below the union’s demands for a 40% pay increase and the reinstatement of a defined-benefit pension plan. The striking workers have rejected previous contract proposals, with 95% of union members voting against Boeing’s previous offer.
Boeing delivered the contract proposal over the weekend. IAM leadership did not attack or endorse the proposal but said it was worthy of members’ consideration.
Wednesday’s ratification vote comes as Boeing workers brave another week on the picket line without pay or health coverage. More than 30,000 IAM members walked off the job on Sept. 13 after contract negotiations broke down, halting production on Boeing’s top-selling planes.
The strike has put the embattled aerospace company in dire financial circumstances, with rating agencies threatening to downgrade Boeing’s credit if its upcoming quarterly results are significant losses.
Workers have felt the heat too, with Boeing announcing thousands of temporary furloughs for non-union members. Additionally, striking workers lost their company health care coverage on Sept. 30, with the union blaming Boeing for allowing the coverage to lapse.
• Vaughn Cockayne can be reached at vcockayne@washingtontimes.com.
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