More than three thousand Boeing defense workers are expected to go on strike on Monday, further adding to the challenges faced by the beleaguered aviation giant. This decision follows the rejection of the company’s latest offer by union members at operations in Missouri and Illinois, who build F-15 fighter jets and other military aircraft. Issues of pay, work schedules, and pensions were the main concerns leading to the rejection.
Dan Gillian, vice president of Boeing’s Air Dominance unit, expressed disappointment over the employees’ decision, highlighting the 40% average wage growth featured in the offer. Boeing has been grappling with various problems, including safety issues and a significant strike by passenger plane workers last year, which lasted for seven weeks.
The upcoming walkout is spearheaded by a local branch of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) in St. Louis, where Boeing’s defense manufacturing hub is situated. The union’s top official, Tom Boelling, emphasized the need for a contract that reflects the skill, dedication, and critical role played by the workers in the nation’s defense. This strike would mark the first at Boeing’s defense business since 1996, lasting over three months.
IAM is one of the largest unions in America, representing approximately 600,000 members across the aerospace, defense, shipbuilding, and manufacturing industries. Boeing has faced several crises in recent years, including two fatal crashes and an incident involving a piece of one of its planes.
In 2018, a Boeing 737 crashed shortly after taking off from Jakarta, Indonesia, claiming all 189 lives on board. A few months later, another plane crashed shortly after takeoff in Ethiopia, resulting in the loss of 157 lives. In 2024, a panel on a Boeing 737 Max detached during a mid-flight. These incidents aimed severe blows to the company’s reputation.
Last year, a strike by around 30,000 workers at Boeing’s passenger jet business resulted in significant financial losses for the company. Additionally, Boeing delivered only 348 aircraft to its customers last year, the lowest output since the pandemic period.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4gze2medkdo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss
