EVERETT — Boeing will stop paying health benefits for about 33,000 striking machinists by the end of the day Monday. The state is stepping in to help.
Since mid-September, thousands of Boeing workers across Washington and Oregon — including 17,000 in Everett — have picketed for better pay and benefits. So far, Boeing and union members from International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers District 751 have failed to agree on a new labor contract.
The company plans to end health care benefits for striking employees and their families by Sept. 30. If picketers return to work on or after Tuesday, Boeing will reinstate coverage starting when they return, according to the company website.
For picketers who lose health coverage, the state’s online insurance market, Washington Health Benefit Exchange has a possible solution. This year, state legislators passed Senate Bill 5632 to provide a 60-day special enrollment period for striking workers who lose health care coverage.
“This is crucial to ensure Washingtonian workers, and their families, can still access health and dental services during the strike period,” Ingrid Ulrey, CEO of the exchange, said in a press release Monday. “We are so grateful to the Sen. Keiser and the Legislature for providing this option to support those who are affected by the strike.”
Options are available through the online portal Washington Healthplanfinder, where workers can access health and dental coverage through Affordable Care Act or Medicaid plans. If needed, exchange employees can help striking workers apply for financial assistance to help with premiums.
On Friday, union leadership rejected Boeing’s “best and final” contract offer. The company’s pension plan continues to be a major sticking point in contract negotiations.
As the strike entered its 18th day Monday, temporary furloughs continued for thousands of executives, managers and employees. Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg said the furloughs were needed because of production loss, and that he and Boeing leadership would take a “commensurate pay reduction.”
Selected employees will take one week of furlough every four weeks on a rolling basis for the duration of the strike.
Striking workers can apply for a health plan by calling 1-855-923-4633 or at wahealthplanfinder.org.
Clarification: Story has been updated to reflect that union leadership rejected Boeing’s “best and final” offer.
Sydney Jackson: 425-339-3430; sydney.jackson@heraldnet.com; X: @_sydneyajackson.
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