In a major development for Boeing, 96% of union members at factories in Seattle and Portland have voted to go on strike. The approximately 33,000 factory workers on the West Coast were dissatisfied with the company’s offer of a 25% pay raise over four years. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers reported that 94.6% of members rejected the offer and 96% supported a strike.
The strike, the first by Boeing workers since 2008, will have significant implications for the company’s production of the 737 MAX and other aircraft. Boeing has been facing production delays, financial losses, and increased scrutiny of its safety record.
Jon Holden, president of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers District 751, emphasized that the strike was about seeking respect, addressing past issues, and securing a better future for workers. The union’s overwhelming vote in favor of the strike reflects the discontent among workers and their determination to fight for better conditions.
This strike adds to the challenges faced by Boeing, which has been struggling to recover from setbacks including the grounding of the 737 MAX following two fatal crashes. The company will need to negotiate with the union to resolve the strike and resume production to meet customer demand and address ongoing issues.
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