Boeing Machinists vote in Everett, elsewhere on latest proposal
EVERETT — Members of the Boeing Machinists union were voting Monday on the latest contract offer to end a strike, now in its 52nd day.
As early as 7 a.m., workers returned to the Edward D. Hansen Conference Center in downtown Everett to vote on an offer that includes a 38% general wage increase over the next four years for its 33,000 members, including 17,000 in Everett. The new proposal also includes a $12,000 ratification bonus.
Polling will remain open until 7 p.m. in Everett and eight other locations, with results expected to be announced shortly after. A simple majority is needed to approve the contract.
It’s the third vote by members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers union after rejecting two previous contract offers. Since the strike began Sept. 13, members have been holding out for the return of a company pension plan and a heftier general wage increase. On Oct. 23, about 64% of members rejected a previous proposal.
Larry Best, a customer coordinator for quality assurance who has worked at Boeing for 38 years, stands outside of Angel of the Winds Arena with a “vote no” sign on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Leaders with IAM District 751, announced the latest proposal Thursday, and recommended workers approve the deal. The union had been pushing for a 40% wage increase.
“It is time for our members to lock in these gains and confidently declare victory,” the union said in a statement.
On Monday morning, some braved periods of heavy rain and cold to show their displeasure for union leadership.
A man in a Boeing employee jacket, who only gave his first name as Thomas, handed out leaflets criticizing the latest contract, and called for a no-confidence vote for union President Jon Holden.
“Once again, Boeing has offered us too many tricks and not enough treats,” the leaflet read.
Thomas said Holden and other union leaders are being too passive.
“We deserve more than what they’ve been offering us,” he said.
The Seattle Times reported Friday that Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg intervened personally with the negotiations and delivered an ultimatum to striking workers: Refuse this deal and the next offers from the company will be regressive.
After the latest offer, Ortberg urged members to accept the deal.
“I know the strike has been difficult for you as well as for our customers, suppliers, communities and all who work at Boeing,” Ortberg said. “It’s time we all come back together and focus on rebuilding the business and delivering the world’s best airplanes.”
A man, who only gave first name as Eugenio, demonstrates outside of the Angel of the Winds Arena with a handheld siren and a “vote no” sign on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Everett, Washington. (Michael Henneke / The Herald)
A man, who would only give his name as Eugenio, carried a handheld siren and a familiar sign, “no pension, no planes” in Everett.
Eugenio, much like Thomas, said union leadership could do more.
He said: “These people are not doing a good job to be advocating the working class of the Machinists.”
Michael Henneke: 425-339-3431; [email protected]; X: @ihenpecked.
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