The risk of a strike at Boeing is increasing as factory workers are unhappy with the contract offer negotiated by their union. The union president, Jon Holden, predicts that workers will vote against the proposal, which includes 25% raises over four years and a promise to build Boeing’s next new airplane in Washington state.
Holden mentioned that feedback from workers indicates the deal is insufficient. Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers are set to vote Thursday on whether to accept the offer or strike starting Friday. Many workers have expressed their discontent on social media and protested during their lunch break at the Everett, Washington plant, chanting for a strike.
Holden, who initially supported the contract, now doubts he can secure enough votes for approval. Boeing has not yet commented on the situation.
If a strike occurs, it won’t immediately affect consumers, as it wouldn’t cancel flights. However, it would halt production, leaving Boeing unable to deliver jets to airlines.
The tentative agreement reached on Sunday includes a 25% wage increase but falls short of the union’s initial demand for a 40% raise over three years and the return of traditional pensions. The deal also offers $3,000 lump-sum payments, increased retirement contributions, and a commitment to work on the next Boeing airplane.
Holden stated that the union has achieved all it could in negotiations and recommended accepting the deal, noting that a strike might not secure better terms.
A strike would add to Boeing’s challenges, as the company has lost $27 billion since 2019 and is struggling with significant issues in aircraft manufacturing and its defense and space sectors. Boeing’s stock dropped 3% in afternoon trading.