Boeing workers end 53-day strike

Striking Boeing workers have voted to end a 53-day long walkout, accepting the aircraft manufacturer’s latest offer of a 38 percent pay rise over four years, increased 401(k) contribution and a one-time payment of US$12,000 for ratifying the contract.

33,000 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) voted to ratify the new union contract, with 59 percent of respondents in favour and 41 percent opposed.

“This agreement represents a new standard in the aerospace industry – one that sends a clear statement that aerospace jobs must be middle class careers in which workers can thrive. Workers in the aerospace industry, led by the IAM — the most powerful aerospace union in the world — will not settle for anything less than the respect and family-sustaining wages and benefits they need and deserve. This agreement reflects the positive results of workers sticking together, participating in workplace democracy, and demonstrating solidarity with each other and with the community during a necessary and effective strike,” Brian Bryant, IAM International President, declared.

“Nearly every worker in America knows what it’s like for a company to take too much and give too little. A contract like this sends an inspiring message to all workers in the United States who are seeking to join unions or who have been shortchanged by their employer. We remain very thankful to Acting U.S. Labor Secretary Julie Su, who on behalf of the Biden-Harris administration helped to bring the employer and the members together for productive talks to reach this agreement.”

The ultimate deal delivers a pay rise close to the original 40 percent level sought by the union. Boeing’s original offer of 25 percent sparked the mass walkout on 13th September, crippling production at the aircraft manufacturer and costing the company an estimated US$1 billion per month.

“While the past few months have been difficult for all of us, we are all part of the same team. We will only move forward by listening and working together. There is much work ahead to return to the excellence that made Boeing an iconic company,” Boeing President and CEO Kelly Ortberg stated after the vote.

“This is an important time in our history, and like generations before us, we will face into the moment together, and stronger as one team.”

Responding to the resolution of the strike, which had led to disappointing labour figures in the final days before voters head to the polls in the 2024 presidential election, President Joe Biden congratulated the union and Boeing for “coming to an agreement that reflects the hard work and sacrifices of 33,000 Machinist workers.”

“Over the last four years, we’ve shown collective bargaining works. Good contracts benefit workers, businesses and consumers and are key to growing the American economy from the middle out and the bottom up.”