Early on Friday, Boeing workers began to strike and picket outside their workplaces in the Seattle region after voting to initiate the first strike since 2008.

The landslide vote to turn down a contract proposal is expected to bring operations in the Seattle area to a halt—the center of Boeing’s commercial aircraft production—and lead to interruptions in the company’s supply chain, as reported by Reuters. This decision comes amidst increased scrutiny of Boeing from regulators and clients due to several crises, including an incident where a door panel detached from a 737 Max operated by Alaska Airlines in January.

On Thursday, a significant number of machinist members voted against a proposed agreement between Boeing and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), which represents employees manufacturing the Boeing 737 MAX and other aircraft in Seattle and Portland. This decision was made despite the contract offering increased wages and benefits, according to various reports.

Out of approximately 30,000 union members, a whopping 96% supported the strike, surpassing the two-thirds majority required for a work stoppage, as noted by Reuters.

This strike poses a significant challenge for new Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg, who assumed the role in August with the goal of improving the company’s reputation as a leading American aerospace manufacturer. The proposed contract included a 25% wage increase over four years, which fell short of the 40% raise that workers sought, according to Reuters.

Workers oppose Boeing’s contract offer

Just days ago, it seemed an agreement was close when Boeing announced a tentative deal with the union to prevent a major strike.

This proposed four-year agreement included terms such as a general wage hike of 25% and a commitment to produce the next commercial airplane in the Seattle region, contingent upon the program starting within the contract’s four-year timeline. It also included enhanced retirement benefits and provided the union with more say in safety and quality aspects of production.

While union leaders claimed it was “the best contract we’ve ever negotiated,” many workers expressed frustration over the loss of an annual bonus, greater salary increases, and other initial demands.

“This fight is about respect, acknowledging past grievances, and advocating for our future,” remarked Jon Holden, who led the negotiations for the union, before revealing the vote results on Thursday night, as reported by Reuters.

The strike commences; Boeing aims to renegotiate

Prior to Thursday’s voting, workers had already been raising their concerns at Boeing facilities in the Seattle area that assemble the 777 and 767 jets.

With the strike now in play, workers gather outside factory entrances shortly after midnight, displaying signs proclaiming “On Strike Against Boeing.” Some drivers passing by showed their support by honking their horns, as reported by Reuters.

Several workers expressed their commitment to sustaining the picket line for an extended period.

“I’m prepared to strike for two months or even longer,” stated James Mann, a 26-year-old employee in Boeing’s wings division. “We’ll continue as long as necessary to obtain what we deserve.”

Conversely, Boeing’s leadership is eager to return union representatives to the negotiating table as soon as possible.

“We are committed to rebuilding our relationship with our employees and with the union, and we are eager to resume talks to reach a new agreement,” the company announced in a statement to Reuters on Thursday.

Holden

According to Reuters, he informed journalists that “we’re going to get back to the table as quickly as we can.” However, he did not specify how long he anticipated the strike would continue or when discussions would recommence.

“We’re taking this one day at a time, one week at a time,” he said.

The Biden administration has been actively observing the negotiations, with Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su encouraging both parties in an interview with Reuters to come to an agreement on a “fair contract” last week.

Boeing is facing a series of challenges

The strike is the newest difficulty in a series of significant problems for Boeing.

The aerospace manufacturer has faced numerous safety issues, starting with two crashes of 737 Max airplanes that resulted in the deaths of 346 individuals in 2018 and 2019. These accidents were ultimately linked to poorly designed and undisclosed flight control software, leading Boeing to plead guilty to a charge of criminal fraud related to the incident.

In January, an Alaska Airlines 737 Max 9 lost a door panel, which detached from the aircraft shortly after takeoff. Fortunately, no major injuries occurred, but over 100 planes were grounded again, prompting increased regulatory scrutiny of Boeing.

Boeing has also suffered significant challenges with its Starliner spacecraft, which was developed for future crewed missions to the International Space Station for NASA. The Starliner’s inaugural crewed test flight faced numerous technical difficulties, forcing NASA to return it to Earth without its crew, who remain on the space station.

The responsibility of bringing the Starliner astronauts back to Earth will instead be taken on by Boeing’s competitor in spaceflight, SpaceX.

Contributors: Zach Wichter, YSL News; Reuters