Boeing has withdrawn its pay offer to approximately 33,000 US factory workers as a strike approaches its fourth week, stating that further negotiations are not planned due to a stalemate with union representatives.
Recent negotiations mediated by federal officials collapsed, with Boeing’s Commercial Airplanes head, Stephanie Pope, expressing frustration that the union did not consider their proposals seriously, while calling the union’s demands “non-negotiable.”
The striking union is demanding a 40pc pay increase over four years and the restoration of a defined-benefit pension, rejecting Boeing’s prior offers, including a “best and final” 30pc raise and performance bonuses.
In light of the ongoing strike, Boeing is exploring options to raise funds through stock sales and has implemented temporary furloughs for thousands of salaried employees, as it faces potential loss of its investment-grade credit rating.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers union shared in a statement that Boeing ias hell-bent on standing on the non-negotiated offer proposed last month. They refused to propose any wage increases, vacation/sick leave accrual, progression, ratification bonus, or the 401k Match/SCRC Contribution. They also would not reinstate the defined benefit pension.”
Stephanie Pope of Boeing stated in a note to the employees “Unfortunately, the union did not seriously consider our proposals. The union’s demands are non-negotiable. Further negotiations do not make sense at this point and our offer has been withdrawn.”
