Striking Boeing employees reject contract offer for fourth time: Union

NEW YORK – More than 3,000 Boeing defence workers on strike in the US Midwest since August voted to reject the company’s latest contract offer, their union said on Oct 27 – the fourth time they have vetoed a potential deal.

“Boeing claimed they listened to their employees – the result of today’s vote proves they have not,” International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers president Brian Bryant said in a statement. No vote tally was given.

Workers are waiting for bigger wage increases, a larger ratification bonus and retirement contributions on par with those earned by Boeing workers in the Pacific Northwest, the statement said.

Boeing did not immediately comment on the outcome of the vote, which had been set on Oct 23, even though talks had seemingly broken down between the US aerospace giant and the union representing workers in Missouri and Illinois.

“I’m pleased that union leaders have now agreed to follow your democratic process and let you decide your future,” St Louis-based Boeing executive Dan Gillian said in a note to employees that day.

He praised the package on offer, which includes wage increases, more vacation and sick time, and the addition of US$3,000 (S$3,890) in restricted stock to boost a signing bonus.

The proposal also lowers the annual attendance progression payment.

The Boeing machinists – on strike since Aug 4 – work on the F-15 and F-18 combat aircraft, the T-7 Red Hawk Advanced Pilot Training System and the MQ-25 unmanned aircraft.

In early September, Boeing began recruiting replacement workers. Then earlier in October, it sought to identify more tasks that can be outsourced to third parties. AFP