Boeing workers reject 35% wage hike proposal, continue strike

By Emir Yildirim

ISTANBUL (AA) - Boeing workers on strike have rejected the company’s latest offer of a 35% wage increase spread over four years, as over 30,000 employees continue their strike, which began on Sept. 13.

The walkout initially began after Boeing proposed a pay rise that fell short of the anticipated 40% increase workers had sought. The strike has now entered its second month, with employees demanding more substantial compensation.

Boeing announced Wednesday that it had been working “feverishly” to resolve the dispute, acknowledging a financial hit of $6.17 billion in the third quarter due to the ongoing strike. A tentative agreement was reached after negotiations with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) union, described by IAM district presidents as “an improved proposal, a testament to the resolve and dedication of frontline workers.”

However, just hours later, IAM revealed that 64% of Boeing workers voted against the agreement. The rejected offer included a 35% wage increase spread over four years, incentive pay with a guaranteed 4% annual payout, an enhanced retirement pension with a one-time $5,000 contribution, and an additional $7,000 bonus.

In a joint statement, IAM District 751 President Jon Holden and IAM District W24 President Brandon Bryant expressed their disappointment, stating: “After 10 years of sacrifices, we still have ground to make up, and we’re hopeful to do so by resuming negotiations promptly.”

“This is workplace democracy, and also clear evidence that there are consequences when a company mistreats its workers year after year-Workers across America know what it's like for a company to take and take, and Boeing workers are saying they are fully and strongly committed to balancing that out by winning back more of what was taken from them by the company for more than a decade," they added.