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Seeking ‘substantial’ pay rise
Given Boeing’s current predicament, the union hopes to be able to negotiate any quality management changes that could affect the production system.
“We’ve never raised these things in the past, but this is our reputation, this is our job, this is our livelihood,” Holden said.
The main demands include a “substantial” wage increase of at least 40%, as well as health care, retirement and job security.
Mr Holden said workers had received only nominal cost-of-living subsidies over the past eight years despite high inflation in recent years, so a significant wage increase was imperative.
The union also seeks assurances from Boeing that its next new airplane, expected around 2035, will be built in the Seattle area.
“This is job security for the next 50 years,” he said.
At a congressional hearing earlier this month, Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun said workers “will definitely get a raise.”
Holden said most of the major issues in the contract talks remain unresolved, meaning the two sides will add time to upcoming negotiations.
The IAM plans to vote on a possible strike on July 17. To mark the event, it rented out Seattle’s T-Mobile Park, the 48,000-capacity stadium for the Seattle Mariners baseball team.
“When we all take part in this important event, the factory will be quiet,” the union said on its website.
The current 16-year contract expires at midnight on September 12. The union last struck in 2008 and lasted 57 days.
This week, Boeing organized a media tour of the Renton plant, and AFP reporters observed a lively union rally, with union representatives wearing IAM badges and holding signs through the plant in a show of solidarity.
“We have a very strong presence right now and we’re going to use it,” Holden said.
Boeing is currently in talks to buy back Spirit AeroSystems, the 737 MAX fuselage supplier that was once part of Boeing before being spun off in 2005.
Horton welcomed the shift and said it would be “foolish” for Boeing to separate from Spirit Airlines, adding: “It’s very important to keep both companies healthy.”
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