The likelihood of a strike at Boeing seems to be increasing as factory workers express dissatisfaction with a contract offer arranged by their union. The proposal includes 25% wage hikes over four years and a guarantee that union members in Washington will build the company's next new airplane. However, Jon Holden, president of the union local that represents 33,000 workers, believes he doesn't have the votes, stating, "The response from people is, it's not good enough."
Workers within the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers plan to vote on the Boeing offer on Thursday. If the deal is turned down, a strike could commence as early as Friday. Employees have taken to social media to voice their displeasure and staged protests at the Everett, Washington plant, with chants of "Strike! Strike! Strike!" during lunch breaks.
Boeing did not immediately comment on the situation. While a strike would not directly disrupt airline flights, it would halt production, preventing Boeing from delivering jets to airlines. The tentative agreement, revealed on Sunday, failed to meet the union's initial demands, which included 40% pay increases over three years and reinstatement of traditional pensions. Holden conveyed to union members that the recommendation to accept the offer came because there are no guarantees of better terms post-strike. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)