EVERETT — After negotiations fell through this week, Boeing followed through with its plan to lock out union firefighters if a contract was not settled by 12:01 a.m. Saturday.
“We have now locked out members of the bargaining unit and fully implemented our contingency plan with highly qualified firefighters performing the work of International Association of Firefighters members,” Boeing said in a statement Saturday. “Our plan ensures safe operations at our Puget Sound area sites with no impact to business operations.”
About 125 Boeing firefighters members of the IAFF Local I-66 are seeking a deal that includes competitive pay and better staffing. The union rejected two previous contract offers.
“As of 12:01 a.m. Boeing firefighters were forced to turn in their badges, take all of their things, and leave the property,” a post on the IAFF Local I-66 Facebook page said.
“The Boeing Company initiated this lock out in an effort to intimidate and coerce our members. Strike lines are open at every work site. We invite you to join us and stand in solidarity. Thank you. Happy International Firefighters Day!”
Local I-66 represents firefighters at Boeing facilities in Everett, Seattle, Renton, Auburn and Moses Lake. About 40 firefighters work at Boeing’s aircraft assembly plant at Paine Field, according to union officials.
Earlier this week, dozens picketed outside the company’s facilities in Everett and Renton.
“We presented Boeing with a reasonable, meet-in-the-middle proposal,” local I-66 president Casey Yeager said earlier this week. “Boeing refused to consider it.”
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Andrea Brown: 425-339-3443; abrown@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @reporterbrown.
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