Boeing Machinists: Strike for early retiree medical benefits? Poll

Boeing’s latest contract offer is in.

The Machinists warned that they would strike over four issues:
• Bargaining unit: Boeing sought to eliminate Wichita from the unit.
• Pension: The company wanted to offer a different 401(k)-type retirement plan to new employees rather than the defined pension plan.
• Outsourcing: The union seeks further assurances over outsourcing.
• Early retiree medical: Boeing wants to discontinue this benefit for Machinists hired after Jan. 1, 2010.

Boeing says that only the fourth, retiree medical, remains on the bargaining table. Company spokesman Tim Healy said Boeing has eliminated this benefit for its nonunion employees and for 45 of its 49 bargaining units.

I’m still waiting to hear the Machinists’ take on Boeing second full offer. They could have concerns over the incentive plan. Perhaps the outsourcing language isn’t everything they wanted it to be. We’ll see.

The early retiree medical benefit is one the Machinists have said they aren’t willing to give up. They’ve hiked wages 9 percent over three years. They’re offering a 5 percent lump sum payment in the first year.

But is Boeing’s offer good enough to avoid a strike? The company will present one last proposal later this week. The Machinists vote Sept. 3.

What I’d like to know is how important is preserving early retiree health insurance to Machinists?

Cast your vote in the poll, post a comment, or send me an e-mail.

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