2024 Boeing machinists strike

2024 Boeing machinists strike
DateSeptember 13, 2024 – ongoing (1 month, 3 weeks and 1 day)
Location
Caused byRejection of Boeing contract
Methods
StatusOngoing
Parties

On September 13, 2024, more than 33,000 machinists at aircraft maker Boeing went on strike, the first by the union since 2008. The majority of striking workers are located in the Seattle metropolitan area at the company's plants in Everett and Renton.[2]

According to the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, 94.6% of workers voted to reject a contract promising a 25% pay raise over 4 years, and 96% voted to approve the strike, surpassing the two-thirds threshold.[3]

It has been reported that the strike will halt the production of Boeing's 737, 777 and 767 jets.[4]

The strike has cost Boeing around 5 billion dollars according to an analysis by the Anderson Economic Group.[5]

Strike

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On October 8, 2024, negotiations again collapsed, with no progress being made between representatives of Boeing and the striking workers.[6][7][8] Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Stephanie Pope released a statement claiming that the union "made non-negotiable demands far in excess of what can be accepted if we are to remain competitive as a business."[6] A union representative also acknowledged that no progress was made in the recent talks.[8] On October 9, it was reported Boeing would even withdraw its contract offer for a 30% pay raise, with the strike putting the company's financial state under severe strain and even resulting in the threat of Boeing's S&P Global Ratings status being downgraded to junk.[8]

On October 10, Boeing filed an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board against the labor union with accusations that the leaders were not bargaining in good faith.[9]

On October 14, Boeing announced that the company would lay off thousands of workers.[10]

On October 19, Boeing reached a tentative deal to end the strike, offering 35% raises.[11] However, 64% of participating union members voted to reject the offer.[12]

On October 31, the union backed a new contract that would include 38% raises over 4 years and provide an option to the workers for either a one time ratification bonus of $12,000 or a $7,000 ratification bonus as well as a $5,000 401(k) contribution.[13]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b Rose, Joel (September 13, 2024). "Boeing machinists go on strike after rejecting contract". NPR. Retrieved September 13, 2024.
  2. ^ Terlep, Sharon (September 13, 2024). "Boeing Union Votes for First Strike in 16 Years, Halting 737 Production". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved September 12, 2024.
  3. ^ Koenig, David (September 13, 2024). "Boeing machinists vote to strike after rejecting pay increases of 25% over 4 years". AP News. Retrieved September 13, 2024.
  4. ^ Terlep, Sharon (September 13, 2024). "Boeing Union Goes on Strike, Halting 737 Production". Wall Street Journal. Archived from the original on September 13, 2024. Retrieved September 13, 2024.
  5. ^ Yurkevich, Vanessa (October 13, 2024). "Boeing strike has already cost the company and workers $5 billion, new analysis shows". CNN. Retrieved October 15, 2024.
  6. ^ a b "Boeing withdraws offer as ongoing strike impacts business, customers and community". KOMO News. October 9, 2024. Retrieved October 9, 2024.
  7. ^ Aratani, Lori (October 9, 2024). "Negotiations break down between Boeing, striking machinists". Washington Post. Retrieved October 9, 2024.
  8. ^ a b c Johnsson, Julie; Lee, Danny (October 9, 2024). "Boeing Withdraws Contract Offer as Union Talks Break Down". Bloomberg News. Retrieved October 9, 2024.
  9. ^ Shepardson, David (October 10, 2024). "Boeing files unfair labor practice charge against striking union". Reuters. Retrieved October 11, 2024.
  10. ^ Lampert, Allison; Shepardson, David; Hepher, Tim (October 14, 2024). "Boeing prepares layoff notices for thousands of workers as turmoil deepens". Reuters. Retrieved October 15, 2024.
  11. ^ Terlep, Sharon (October 19, 2024). "Boeing, Union Reach Wage Deal to End Strike". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved October 19, 2024.
  12. ^ Terlep, Sharon (October 23, 2024). "Boeing Machinists Reject Latest Contract". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  13. ^ Josephs, Leslie (October 31, 2024). "Boeing union backs sweetened contract offer that could end strike, sets vote for Monday". CNBC. Retrieved November 1, 2024.