Boeing, unions complete second full day of mediation – KIRO 7 News Seattle

RENTON, Wash. — Boeing machinists remain steadfast as a strike enters its sixth day, with mediation between the company and the union showing no meaningful progress.

Despite two full days of talks with the help of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Commission, the union announced on Wednesday that no decision had been reached, and no additional dates for the discussions had been set.

The strike, which began after 33,000 mechanics rejected a contract offer from Boeing last week, has put the aviation giant in a difficult position.

Boeing is expected to lose more than $100 million for each day the strike continues, and the company has responded by announcing furloughs for executives, managers and other employees.

CEO Kelly Ortberg has expressed the need for “tough steps” to preserve the company’s future, but union leaders remain steadfast that Boeing must address workers’ concerns:

“a team,

“As you know, IAM 751 and W24 went on strike last Friday. We remain committed to resetting our relationship with our represented employees and continuing discussions with the union to reach a new agreement that benefits all of our teammates and our company as soon as possible.

“However, with production halted on several key programs in the Pacific Northwest, our business faces significant challenges and it is important that we take tough steps to preserve cash and ensure Boeing’s ability to successfully recover.

“As part of this effort, we are beginning temporary furloughs in the coming days that will impact a significant number of our U.S.-based executives, managers, and employees. All benefits will continue for affected employees, and to minimize the impact on you, we are planning for select employees to take one week off every four weeks on an ongoing basis for the duration of the strike. Your leaders will reach out today to share more details about the specific approach for your team.

“In addition to these steps, my leadership team and I will take a proportionate pay cut for the duration of the strike.

“Most importantly, we will not take any actions that would impede our ability to fully recover in the future. We will prioritize all activities critical to our safety, quality, customer support and key certification programs, including 787 production.

“While this decision is difficult and impacts everyone, it is part of our efforts to safeguard our long-term future and help us get through these very difficult times. We will continue to communicate transparently as this dynamic situation evolves and will do our best to mitigate these difficulties.”

Restore confidence

Kelly

According to a statement from IAM Union District 751, the union's priorities, based on a recent survey, have not yet been adequately addressed.

The workers are demanding a 40% pay raise, citing stagnant wages, lost pensions and sacrifices made in health care over the past decade.

Boeing's initial offer of a 25% wage increase was rejected, as machinists stood behind their negotiating committee and demanded that the company do more to meet their demands.

The strike, Boeing's first since 2008, has drawn attention to worker unity.

Union leaders stressed that workers, not just the company, are Boeing's real lifeblood, as they continue to press for a fair contract.

“One day longer, one day stronger” became a rallying cry, as protesters made their presence known from Everett to Auburn.

While the union remains open to further talks, the lack of progress has exacerbated tensions as the strike continues.

The workers' insistence on striking sends a clear message: they will not back down until a fair contract is secured.

For now, the two sides remain at an impasse, leaving Boeing production halted and thousands of workers holding out for what they believe is the contract they deserve.

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