The union representing over 30,000 striking Boeing workers has announced that its members are “not interested” in the aviation giant’s latest pay offer, further extending the labor dispute. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) shared the results of a member survey on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, stating that Boeing’s proposal was deemed “inadequate.”

“Many comments expressed that the offer was inadequate,” the IAM stated in the post, reflecting a strong dissatisfaction with the company’s offer of a 30% pay rise over four years.

On Monday, Boeing had presented what it described as its “best and final” offer. This proposal included not only the pay raise but also the reinstatement of a performance-based bonus, improved retirement benefits, and a doubling of a one-time signing bonus to $6,000 (£4,470). However, the IAM members were unmoved.

“The survey results from yesterday were overwhelmingly clear, almost as loud as the first offer: members are not interested in the company’s latest offer that was sent through the media,” the union stated.

The labor dispute escalated earlier this month when more than 30,000 workers, including those who manufacture the company’s popular 737 Max and 777 planes, began striking on September 13. The strike followed an overwhelming vote by union members to reject a previous offer of a 25% pay increase, indicating that Boeing’s revised offer did little to satisfy workers’ demands.

Union Criticism of Boeing’s Approach

The union has also expressed frustration with Boeing’s handling of the negotiations, particularly with the way the latest offer was communicated. IAM claims that the company sent the new offer directly to its members and the media without consulting the union’s representatives. Boeing, however, denied this accusation, insisting that they had informed IAM leadership about the offer and promised to provide logistical support to allow for a union vote on the proposal.

A central point of contention is the deadline imposed by Boeing. The company initially asked for the offer to be ratified by midnight Pacific Time on Friday, September 27 (7:00 GMT on Saturday, September 28). IAM has stated that this deadline left them without sufficient time to organize a vote among its members.

Boeing later agreed to give the union more time to facilitate the balloting process.

Impact on Boeing’s Operations

As the strike continues, Boeing faces significant financial and operational challenges. The company is already dealing with production delays and other disruptions, and the ongoing labor action threatens to exacerbate these issues. Boeing could lose billions of dollars if a resolution isn’t reached soon, adding to the pressures the company is facing in an already competitive aviation industry.

The union initially aimed for a more substantial increase, seeking a 40% pay rise, along with additional improvements to employee benefits. Despite Boeing’s revised offer, workers remain steadfast in their demands for a better deal.

Boeing has not yet commented on IAM’s latest statement, leaving the future of the negotiations uncertain. As the strike moves into its third week, both sides will need to find common ground to prevent further financial losses and operational disruptions.

For further reading on labor relations and union negotiations in large industries, you may find research on industrial disputes and labor economics insightful. Studies such as “Union Power and the Impact of Industrial Actions” by Freeman and Medoff offer a deep dive into how strikes influence corporate strategies and labor outcomes.

(Adapted from BBC.com)