RENTON, Wash. — Boeing machinists are holding strong as the strike enters its sixth day, with mediation between the company and union showing no meaningful progress.
Despite two full days of talks assisted by the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS), the union announced Wednesday, that no resolution had been reached, and no additional dates for discussions have been scheduled.
The strike, which began after 33,000 machinists rejected Boeing’s contract offer last week, has placed the aerospace giant in a difficult position.
Boeing stands to lose over $100 million for each day the strike continues, and the company has responded by announcing temporary furloughs for executives, managers, and other employees.
President and CEO Kelly Ortberg expressed the need for “difficult steps” to preserve the company’s future, but union leaders remain firm that Boeing must address the workers’ concerns:
“Team,
“As you know, the IAM 751 and W24 went on strike last Friday. We remain committed to resetting our relationship with our represented employees and continuing discussions with the union to reach a new agreement that is good for all of our teammates and our company as soon as possible.
“However, with production paused across many key programs in the Pacific Northwest, our business faces substantial challenges and it is important that we take difficult steps to preserve cash and ensure that Boeing is able to successfully recover.
“As part of this effort, we are initiating temporary furloughs over the coming days that will impact a large number of US-based executives, managers and employees. All benefits will continue for affected employees, and to limit the impact to you, we are planning for selected employees to take one week of furlough every four weeks on a rolling basis for the duration of the strike. Your leaders will be in touch today to share more detail on your team’s specific approach.
“Along with these steps, my leadership team and I will take a commensurate pay reduction for the duration of the strike.
“Most important, we won’t take any actions that inhibit our ability to fully recover in the future. All activities critical to our safety, quality, customer support and key certification programs will be prioritized and continue, including 787 production.
“While this is a tough decision that impacts everybody, it is in an effort to preserve our long-term future and help us navigate through this very difficult time. We will continue to transparently communicate as this dynamic situation evolves and do all we can to limit this hardship.”
Restoring trust,
Kelly
The union’s priorities, based on a recent survey, have yet to be adequately addressed, according to the statement from IAM Union District 751.
Workers are demanding a 40% pay raise, citing stagnation in wages, lost pensions, and sacrifices made in healthcare over the past decade.
Boeing’s initial offer of a 25% pay increase was rejected, with machinists standing behind their negotiating committee and calling for the company to do more to meet their demands.
The strike, Boeing’s first since 2008, has brought attention to the workers’ unity.
Union leaders emphasize that the workers, not just the company, are the true lifeblood of Boeing, as they continue to push for a fair contract. “
One Day Longer, One Day Stronger” has become the rallying cry, with picketers making their presence known from Everett to Auburn.
While the union remains open to further talks, the lack of progress has heightened tensions as the strike continues.
The workers’ determination on the picket line sends a clear message: they will not back down until a fair contract is secured.
For now, both sides remain at an impasse, leaving Boeing’s production at a standstill and thousands of workers holding the line for what they believe is the contract they deserve.
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