More than 3,000 Boeing workers in the US Midwest have been on strike since August and will continue their walkout after rejecting the company's latest contract proposal. The union announced on Sunday (Oct. 26) that this marks the fourth time Boeing workers have turned down a proposed agreement.
Brian Bryant, president of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, stated in a press release, "Boeing claimed they listened to their employees – the result of today's vote proves they have not." The statement also noted that Boeing workers in the St. Louis area are demanding higher wage increases, more substantial signing bonuses, and pension contributions comparable to those of their counterparts in the Pacific Northwest.
Boeing said it was disappointed by the result and noted the vote had been a close one. The company said in a statement that it was increasingly hearing from workers "who want to cross the picket line" and "understand the value of our offer."
"The union's statement is misleading since the vote failed by the slimmest of margins, 51% to 49%," the statement read. "We are turning our focus to executing the next phase of our contingency plan in support of our customers."
The strike involves approximately 3,200 mechanics and engineers from Boeing's facilities in Illinois and Missouri. These workers are primarily responsible for the production of F-15 and F-18 fighter jets, T-7A Red Hawk advanced trainer jets, and MQ-25 unmanned aerial refueling drones.
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