Published: Thursday, September 25, 2008
Labor officials hear Machinists' complaint against Boeing
EVERETT -- Boeing Machinists are trying to make a case to federal labor officials that Boeing broke the law in its negotiations tactics for a failed contract with the union.
About 27,000 Machinists have been on strike against the aerospace company since Sept. 6, after the union and Boeing couldn't agree on a new three-year labor contract. The walkout has shut down Boeing's jet factories around the Puget Sound area. Union officials and members, however, are busy providing statements to the National Labor Relations Board on the Machinists' unfair labor complaint.
Boeing officials deny any wrongdoing in their negotiations with the Machinists.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers filed an unfair labor practices complaint in late August against Boeing, just as members were preparing to vote on the company's final contract offer. The union alleged that Boeing engaged in an "unlawful secret strategy to avoid the union and deal directly with employees." Direct dealing with workers represented by a union is prohibited by the National Labor Relations Board.
District 751 President Tom Wroblewski already has testified before the labor board on the union's allegations. And this week, "hundreds of members" have been testifying about the complaint, Connie Kelliher, union spokeswoman, said on Wednesday. The members claim Boeing managers interrogated them on contract proposals or put pressure on them to accept the company's offer. The labor board is investigating to determine whether to go forward with the case.
Boeing officials have not been asked to testify with the labor board, said Tim Healy, Boeing spokesman.
"The National Labor Relations Board will contact us when they want our response," Healy said.
Should the board uphold the complaint, it would prevent Boeing from hiring permanent replacements for the striking Machinists -- an unlikely scenario anyway, given the skills and training required for Machinists' positions. A win with the labor board could help striking Machinists who are seeking unemployment benefits. State unemployment officials have said workers on strike do not qualify for unemployment, under Washington law.
The union will distribute the first of $150 weekly strike checks to area union members on Saturday at the Evergreen Fairgrounds in Monroe.
Reporter Michelle Dunlop: 425-339-3454 or mdunlop@heraldnet.com.
About 27,000 Machinists have been on strike against the aerospace company since Sept. 6, after the union and Boeing couldn't agree on a new three-year labor contract. The walkout has shut down Boeing's jet factories around the Puget Sound area. Union officials and members, however, are busy providing statements to the National Labor Relations Board on the Machinists' unfair labor complaint.
Boeing officials deny any wrongdoing in their negotiations with the Machinists.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers filed an unfair labor practices complaint in late August against Boeing, just as members were preparing to vote on the company's final contract offer. The union alleged that Boeing engaged in an "unlawful secret strategy to avoid the union and deal directly with employees." Direct dealing with workers represented by a union is prohibited by the National Labor Relations Board.
District 751 President Tom Wroblewski already has testified before the labor board on the union's allegations. And this week, "hundreds of members" have been testifying about the complaint, Connie Kelliher, union spokeswoman, said on Wednesday. The members claim Boeing managers interrogated them on contract proposals or put pressure on them to accept the company's offer. The labor board is investigating to determine whether to go forward with the case.
Boeing officials have not been asked to testify with the labor board, said Tim Healy, Boeing spokesman.
"The National Labor Relations Board will contact us when they want our response," Healy said.
Should the board uphold the complaint, it would prevent Boeing from hiring permanent replacements for the striking Machinists -- an unlikely scenario anyway, given the skills and training required for Machinists' positions. A win with the labor board could help striking Machinists who are seeking unemployment benefits. State unemployment officials have said workers on strike do not qualify for unemployment, under Washington law.
The union will distribute the first of $150 weekly strike checks to area union members on Saturday at the Evergreen Fairgrounds in Monroe.
Reporter Michelle Dunlop: 425-339-3454 or mdunlop@heraldnet.com.
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