Boeing’s hourly workers in Seattle are gearing up for a pivotal vote that could authorize a strike if ongoing contract negotiations with the aerospace giant falter. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Local 751, representing nearly 32,000 employees in the Seattle, Washington, region, is set to vote on Wednesday, July 17th, on whether to sanction a strike if their demands are not met in the upcoming contract talks.
At stake is the renegotiation of a contract that has been in place for 16 years, which is set to expire at midnight on September 12th. The vote comes before union members have seen a proposed contract, highlighting the union’s preparation for potential labor action if the terms presented by Boeing are deemed unsatisfactory. A second vote would be required on September 12th if workers reject the proposed contract, potentially leading to a strike that could disrupt operations at Boeing’s major facilities in Renton and Everett, where the iconic 737 and 777 aircraft are manufactured.
IAM Local 751, under the leadership of President Jon Holden, has outlined significant demands. These include a substantial salary increase of at least 40%, improvements in healthcare coverage, enhancements to retirement benefits, and assurances from Boeing regarding job security. Holden has emphasized the necessity of a substantial wage hike, arguing that workers have only received nominal cost-of-living adjustments over the past eight years despite significant inflationary pressures.
Job security is another critical issue for the union, with Holden pressing for assurances that Boeing’s next new aircraft, expected around 2035, will be built in the Seattle region. This commitment, according to Holden, would ensure “job security for the next 50 years,” underscoring the importance of Boeing’s manufacturing footprint in the Pacific Northwest.
Boeing, on its part, has characterized Wednesday’s vote as a procedural step in the negotiation process, expressing confidence that a mutually agreeable contract can be reached. The company acknowledges the challenges but remains committed to finding a balance between meeting employee expectations and addressing the economic realities it faces.
The IAM has planned for a robust show of solidarity during the vote at T-Mobile Park in Seattle, the venue chosen for its capacity to accommodate up to 48,000 people. A parade of around 800 motorcycles is also planned as a visual demonstration of unity among Boeing workers.
Boeing has indicated its support for employees participating in the vote, allowing them reasonable time off work to attend. The company recognizes the importance of respecting employees’ rights to engage in union activities, highlighting its commitment to a fair and transparent negotiation process.
In addition to the Seattle workers, IAM’s W24 district, representing 1,200 Boeing employees in Oregon, will also participate in the vote, underscoring the widespread impact and significance of these negotiations within the broader aerospace industry.
As tensions simmer and negotiations intensify, both Boeing and IAM Local 751 face a critical juncture that could significantly shape labor relations and production dynamics at one of the world’s largest aerospace companies. The outcome of Wednesday’s vote will set the stage for further negotiations and potentially determine whether a strike looms on the horizon for Boeing and its workforce in the Pacific Northwest.