Boeing defence workers set to strike in US

Thousands of members of a union representing Boeing defence industry workers in the US states of Missouri and Illinois are expected to go on strike today. Photo / Jason Redmond, AFP

Thousands of members of a union representing Boeing defence industry workers in the US states of Missouri and Illinois will go on strike after rejecting a revised proposal for a new contract.

About 3200 highly-skilled union members at Boeing facilities voted on Sunday to reject a modified four-year labour agreement with Boeing, the International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers said.

“A strike will begin at midnight on Monday, August 4.”

Members of the union’s local chapter “have spoken loud and clear”, said IAM District 837 representative Tom Boelling.

“They deserve a contract that reflects their skill, dedication, and the critical role they play in our nation’s defence.”

The American aerospace giant’s initial proposal, which included a 20% wage increase over four years and more holiday time, was rejected a week earlier.

The new offer doubled the wage increase, according to Boeing.

“We’re disappointed our employees rejected an offer that featured 40% average wage growth and resolved their primary issue on alternative work schedules,” said Dan Gillian, Boeing Air Dominance vice president and senior St Louis site executive.

“We are prepared for a strike and have fully implemented our contingency plan to ensure our non-striking workforce can continue supporting our customers.”

The storied company has been in crisis since last year because of production quality issues and a seven-week strike that crippled two of Boeing’s major assembly plants.

IAM is one of North America’s largest unions, representing about 600,000 members in aerospace, defence, shipbuilding, transportation, health care, manufacturing and other industries.

– Agence France-Presse