Boeing mechanics vote to strike, rejecting a 25% pay raise over four years

On September 13, 2024, Seattle. Mechanics at Boeing voted on Thursday to stage a strike, dealing another major setback to Boeing. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers said 94.6% of voting workers rejected a contract that offered a 25% pay raise over four years, and 96% approved a strike. The strike by 33,000 mechanics is set to begin early Friday morning.

Jon Holden, president of District 751 of the International Association of Machinists, called this about respect and the future. Boeing responded by saying it is ready to return to the bargaining table to reach a new agreement. Boeing has had a tough year. New CEO Kelly Ortberg, who has been in office for just six weeks, is facing this strike challenge. Ortberg has tried to salvage the agreement, saying a strike would endanger Boeing's recovery and damage trust with customers.

Workers are dissatisfied with stagnant wages and concessions on pensions and healthcare. Throughout the week, union members complained about the agreement on social media and demanded a bigger pay raise. On Thursday, many people marched to call for a strike. Boeing workers think a 25% pay raise is not enough and the company can afford to pay more.

Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing's commercial airplanes business, said there has been sincere negotiation. The vote took place in union halls in multiple locations. If workers approve the contract, Boeing has promised to build the next new plane in the Puget Sound region. The strike will halt production of passenger jets at Boeing's factories in Washington state and may not affect the 787 Dreamliner in South Carolina.

Analysts expect the strike could last until mid-November and cost Boeing up to $3.5 billion in cash flow. Holden had recommended approving the agreement, but members were dissatisfied. Since the crashes of two 737 Max passenger jets in 2018 and 2019, Boeing's reputation has been damaged. Now it is facing a strike again and may fall behind Airbus in new aircraft orders and deliveries.