Boeing Factory Workers Strike Update: Contract Talks Break Off with Company

The union representing Boeing factory workers in the Pacific Northwest has announced that contract talks have “broke off” with the company after their latest bargaining session. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers stated that Boeing did not engage substantively on key issues such as higher pay and restoring a defined-benefit pension that was cut a decade ago.

No further negotiation dates have been scheduled after the session led by federal mediators, but the union remains open to talks with the company. Boeing, on the other hand, has stated that they are prepared to meet at any time and are committed to bargaining in good faith to reach an agreement as soon as possible.

Boeing recently issued its “best and final” offer, which included pay raises of 30% over four years, up from 25% in a previous deal that was rejected by union members. However, the offer still falls short of the union’s original demand of 40% over three years. The strike, now in its third week, has halted production of Boeing’s best-selling airplanes and put pressure on the company amidst other challenges they have faced this year.

The ongoing strike by nearly 33,000 machinists is not expected to disrupt airline flights immediately, but it continues to impact Boeing’s operations and finances. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.