Union negotiators are well aware that the majority of the first surveys were filled out and returned prior to massive layoff announcement following the September 11th terrorist attacks; and therefore, are planning additional surveys since answers may have changed.
Obviously, all of the issues listed on the initial survey are important to the membership; however, members were asked to rank in order their top five issues within each category. Union leaders understand that prioritizing the issues is not always easy, but want the Union proposal to accurately reflect membership priorities.
In reporting the results of the initial survey, the chart shows percentage of respondents that chose this issue their top priority within the category.
When asked to prioritize the overall issues, members put job security at the top of the list, followed by Retirement, Health/Dental Insurance, Vacation/Sick Leave and Wage Issues.
Many members took additional time to write in comments on their feelings, which included:
"All around stability is most important to me in all areas. To have COLA's, retirement, medical plans that at least stay even with inflation and other regional changes."
"Job security must be number one. If you don't have a job, the other provisions are meaningless."
"The retirement plan is a joke. Boeing should be embarrassed to even offer this plan. It is an insult especially when they have billions in surplus in the Retirement Plan."
Watch for Stewards to distribute the second survey early in February.
