HeraldNet: Machinists to Boeing: We’re willing to strike



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Aerospace Blog

August 19, 2008

The Herald/Kevin Nortz (click to enlarge)

Recently surveyed Boeing Machinists say they're willing to strike if several contract issues aren't resolved. The union gave the preliminary OK for a strike at a rally last month.

Machinists to Boeing: We’re willing to strike

Posted at 10:22 am by Michelle Dunlop

The Boeing Co.’s Machinists say they’ll strike if several key issues aren’t resolved to their liking.

The local district of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers recently surveyed members on contract negotiations with the Boeing Co. Intense or "main table" talks between the aerospace giant and its Machinists union start on Thursday. The existing contract expires on Sept. 4.

About 15,000 Machinists (out of more than 24,000 union members) took part in the contract survey, according to the IAM negotiations Web site.

Roughly 80 percent of survey participants said they would strike if Boeing tries to discontinue early retiree medical benefits for future Machinists. Eighty-four percent said they would strike if Boeing doesn’t increase minimum pay rates by more than $1.28 an hour.

About 86 percent of Machinists also said they would prefer to keep the existing pension plan rather than switch to a 401(k) type plan for future Machinists.

Boeing outlines its position on minimum rates, retirement plans and health care at its negotiations Web site.

The Machinists in Everett have been protesting at the factory each Wednesday as the union gets ready to start round-the-clock talk with Boeing.

Machinists already are into their third week of a strike against Hawker Beechcraft in Wichita, Kan., reports the Wichita Eagle. The IAM also represents about 600 Boeing Machinists in Wichita.

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