San Francisco: Around 3,200 Boeing union workers across Missouri and Illinois launched a strike on Monday following a breakdown in contract negotiations with the company.
The strike was initiated after members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837 voted to reject a revised four-year labour agreement proposed by Boeing. This latest vote came after an overwhelming rejection of the company’s initial offer on July 27. The previous agreement officially expired just before midnight, leading to the workers' walkout.
The striking workers are based at Boeing's facilities in St. Louis and St. Charles, Missouri, as well as Mascoutah, Illinois, according to Xinhua news agency.
IAM International President Brian Bryant pledged union support, stating, “We will be there on the picket lines, ensuring Boeing hears the collective power of working people.” IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli added, “They deserve nothing less than a contract that keeps their families secure and recognises their unmatched expertise.”
Resident General Vice President Jody Bennett emphasised the importance of unity: “Solidarity is our strength. This vote shows that when workers stand together, they can push back against corporate greed and fight for a better future for themselves and their families.”
IAM is one of North America's largest and most diverse industrial trade unions, representing about 600,000 active and retired members across sectors such as aerospace, defence, airlines, rail, transit, healthcare, automotive, and more in the US and Canada.
Boeing expressed disappointment over the workers' decision. Dan Gillian, Boeing Air Dominance Vice President and General Manager and senior executive at the St. Louis site, said the company was “disappointed our employees rejected an offer that featured 40 per cent average wage growth and resolved their primary issue on alternative work schedules.”
He added that Boeing was “prepared for a strike and had fully implemented our contingency plan to ensure our non-striking workforce can continue supporting our customers.”
With IANS inputs