Boeing Workers to Vote on New Contract Offer After Three-Month Strike

Post by : Sameer Saifi

More than 3,200 Boeing Defense workers are on strike since August 4, and now they will vote on a new contract offer this Thursday. These workers belong to the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers District 837 and are based in the St. Louis area. They build important defense aircraft like the F-15 and F/A-18 fighter jets, the T-7 training jet, and wing parts for the Boeing 777X airplane. Because of the strike, deliveries of some fighter jets to the U.S. Air Force have already been delayed.

Boeing has offered a 24% wage increase over five years. The company is also offering a $6,000 bonus if workers approve the contract now. In the last offer, the bonus was only $3,000. However, the total future bonus amount has been reduced, which means workers may get some extra money right now, but the overall bonus amount will be lower during the full contract period. Many workers had rejected earlier offers because they want a stronger retirement plan and a bigger signing bonus, similar to what Boeing workers in Seattle received last year.

The union says that retirement money is very important for workers who have spent many years building aircraft. They also say Boeing has not returned to the bargaining table to discuss changes. The union has even filed a complaint saying Boeing is not negotiating fairly, but Boeing has denied this.

Boeing has said that if the workers approve the offer, they can return to work as soon as Sunday. The company has also started hiring replacement workers. But union members say training new workers and getting them security clearance may take up to six months. That means replacing the current workers is not quick or easy.

This strike has not only affected the workers and their families, but also the U.S. defense production schedule. Fighter jets are used for national security, so delays can cause planning problems. Workers say they understand their work is important, but they also want fair pay and secure benefits for their future.

On Thursday, workers will vote. If they approve the offer, the strike may end and work may restart soon. If they reject it again, the strike will continue, and more aircraft deliveries may be delayed. This vote is important not only for Boeing workers, but also for the defense industry and future labor negotiations.

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