NEW YORK — Union representative Boeing factory workers who are currently on strike in the Pacific Northwest said contract negotiations “broke off” with the company after their last negotiation opportunity.
In an update posted on social media platforms X and Facebooka regional district of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers argued late Friday that Boeing “would not engage substantially” on key issues important to members — such as higher pay — and did not budge on calls to restore a defined benefit pension which was abolished 10 years ago.
No additional negotiation dates were scheduled after Friday’s session led by federal mediators, IAM District 751 said. The union added that it remained “open to talks with the company, either directly or mediated.”
In a statement sent to The Associated Press on Saturday, Boeing said it was “prepared to meet at any time”, committed to negotiating in good faith and wanted to reach an agreement as soon as possible.
The aerospace giant on Monday issued what it called its “best and last” offer. The proposal included wage increases of 30% over four years — up from 25% in a deal that union members overwhelmingly rejected when they voted to strike on September 12, but still well below the union’s original demand of 40% over three years.
Boeing angered union leaders by announcing the revised offer to its striking workers through the media and setting a Friday night deadline for ratification. In light of the pushback, Boeing backed off and gave the union more time. But many workers have argued that the latest offer was not good enough.
The strike by nearly 33,000 machinists is now in its third week, and negotiations also stalled earlier in the strike that has halted production of Boeing’s best-selling aircraft. The strike is coming don’t disrupt airline flights anytime soonbut has put more pressure on a company that has already faced a series of financial, legal and mechanical challenges this year.