SEATTLE — Boeing is set to start contract negotiations with its largest union.
Reuters is reporting that workers in the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers want better pay and retirement benefits.
The union represents about 30,000 employees in the Puget Sound area, including those who build the MAX line of jets in Renton.
The negotiations will start Friday.
The union is pushing for 40% pay increases over three to four years.
While it’s too early to tell if labor action could be on the horizon, workers have set up a strike authorization vote for this summer if a deal is not reached.
They theoretically could go on strike before the current contract expires on Sept. 12.
KIRO 7 reporter Ranji Sinha recently spoke to an aviation analyst who said Boeing’s past conflicts with the union may be one of the causes for the quality control issues on the Renton assembly line.
Investigations came after a door plug blew off in mid-air on an Alaska Airlines flight near Portland in January.
There have been several reports that workers were scared to speak up about issues, fearing backlash from management.
The union will also ask Boeing for a commitment to build its next new airplane in the Puget Sound area, which would ensure jobs and manufacturing here.
The union also believes that the contract negotiation is a chance for the company to refocus on the people who design and build the jets and create a new culture of quality control and safety.
In a statement on Friday, the company said it was confident it could reach a contract agreement.
“We look forward to reviewing the IAM’s proposal and continuing our discussions in good faith. We’re confident there’s a path to a deal that addresses the needs of our employees while allowing us to compete in a very competitive global market.”
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