The Boeing Co. handed over its wage proposal to its Machinists union yesterday, well ahead of intensive contract negotiations, which start Aug. 22.
The Machinists vote on a new three-year labor deal with the aerospace giant on Sept. 3. Should they reject Boeing’s offer with a two-thirds majority, the union of more than 24,000 Puget Sound region Machinists would walk out at 12:01 a.m. Sept. 4.
For an idea of the impact a labor strike could have on Boeing, read local aerospace analyst Scott Hamilton’s latest column.
Boeing has offered to raise entry-level Machinists wages $1.28 per hour. Pay grades of three and four would be boosted to $13 and $14 per hour respectively under the proposal. Boeing says it will discuss general wage increases with the union later.
Boeing’s lead negotiator Doug Kight sent out this memo recently on wage increases.
The Machinists say Boeing’s proposal falls “far short” of the union’s expectations.
From the Machinists:
After not improving the minimum rates for over 16 years, Boeing proposed only raising the entry rates by $1.28 per hour. This represents a raise of only 8 cents per year. Keep in mind that during that same time period the minimum wage increased $3.82 an hour from $4.25 an hour in 1992 to the present $8.07 an hour.
Just as disturbing as the small amount offered is the fact that it covers only new hires in the future. The proposal offered nothing for current members who already hired in at the entry rates UNLESS those current employees happen to fall below the new minimum. If we accept such an offer, future hires would be making the same as many of those who have spent a year on the payroll is that fair?
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