The union rejects Boeing’s latest offer, extending the strike. The vote by unionized Boeing workers has resulted in the continuation of the strike, after the majority chose to reject the company’s latest proposal. The conflict, which began on September 13, will extend as workers push for further improvements.
From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, union members cast their votes on whether to accept or reject a contract revealed on Saturday. The final outcome was a decisive 64% voting to reject the offer, prolonging the dispute.
The deep divisions among workers were evident in the decision. Some voters who supported the proposal said the latest offer had made «substantial improvements» and was sufficient to return to work. Others expressed that they could no longer afford to remain on the picket line.
— IAM Union District 751 (@IAM751) October 24, 2024
On the other hand, workers opposing the contract urged their colleagues to continue fighting until the company met more of their demands, particularly the restoration of the pension plan. According to local sources cited by The Seattle Times, the atmosphere during this vote was more serious than the previous one, when workers overwhelmingly rejected the offer and authorized the strike that began on September 13.
The latest proposal came after days of negotiations mediated by Acting U.S. Labor Secretary Julie Su. It included a general wage increase of 35% over four years, a boost in the company’s 401(k) retirement plan contributions, a guaranteed annual bonus of 4%, and a one-time $7,000 signing bonus if ratified. With the rejection, both the company and the workers will need to continue negotiating, although with less room to maneuver.
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