Boeing and its striking machinists union are expected to meet Tuesday for another full day of contract negotiations after unproductive talks on Monday.
The union said that while little progress was made, it was determined to return to the bargaining table.
“Although we met with Boeing and federal mediators all day, there was no meaningful movement to report,” the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers said in a Monday statement. “We will be back at it tomorrow.”
Tuesday marks 25 days since Boeing’s unionized staff in Washington walked off the job. In negotiations, IAM leadership is demanding a 40% raise and the reinstatement of a defined benefits package that was removed during the last contract cycle.
The aerospace/aviation giant has thus far been unwilling to meet the union’s demands. Late last month, the company offered a “best and final” offer that included a 30% wage hike over four years and a performance bonus. Union members firmly rejected the offer.
Still, after three weeks, Boeing workers are starting to feel the economic impact of the strike. Striking workers have been without company-paid health benefits since coverage expired on Sept. 30. Additionally, thousands of nonunion workers are being furloughed as a result of the strike.
However, the strike is likely hurting Boeing much more. In addition to marring the company’s reputation, the strike has halted production on the company’s best-selling 737, 777 and 767 airplanes.
• Vaughn Cockayne can be reached at vcockayne@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.