Boeing’s “final offer” dissatisfies striking workers

Boeing announced on Monday night that it presented a “best and final offer” to striking machinists, featuring larger payment raises and increased bonuses. However, the workers’ union responded that the proposal is inadequate, adding there will be no ratification vote before Boeing’s deadline at the end of the week.

The union complained that Boeing publicised its latest offer to 33,000 striking workers without first bargaining with union negotiators.

“Boeing does not get to decide when or if you vote,” leaders of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers district 751 told members Monday night. “The company has refused to meet for further discussion; therefore, we will not be voting.”

As last week’s two-day talk failed to yield an agreement, Boeing said they presented a “best and final offer that made significant improvements and addressed feedback from the union.”

This new offer includes a 30% pay raise over four years, an increase from the 25% proposed earlier, although the union’s original demand was for a 40% raise over three years.

“This proposal does not go far enough to address your concerns, and Boeing has missed the mark with this proposal,” the union told members. The group added that it will conduct a survey about the new offer.

On the other hand, strikers are experiencing financial pressure to return to work, having received their final paycheques last week, and will be facing the loss of company-provided health insurance at the end of the month.

Meanwhile, the strike is already affecting Boeing’s cash flow, as it has halted production of the 737, 777, and 767 models, although work on 787s continues with non-union workers in South Carolina.

Boeing has implemented temporary rolling furloughs for thousands of managers and non-union employees, requiring them to take one unpaid week off every four weeks. The company has also announced a hiring freeze, reduced business travel, and cut spending on suppliers. These cost-saving measures are expected to remain in place along the strike’s duration.

Boeing is a US-based multinational aerospace and defence corporation base, and it is one of the largest global manufacturers of commercial jetliners, military aircraft, satellites, and other aerospace products.