Negotiation Process

Identifying the Issues.

Members determine the most important issues for our Union contract negotiators through a variety of methods, including:

• A series of contract surveys

• Input from members given to Union Stewards and Business Representatives at shop floor meetings and in daily interaction.

• Business Reps identify problem areas in the contract through their daily enforcement of the current Agreement

• Membership input at focus groups, as well as through the website and phone calls to the Union halls.

Committees Meet with Boeing.

The Union Corporate Committee and The Boeing Company (as well as the various subcommittees) meet informally throughout the contract to continually work issues -- not just during actual negotiations. As the contract expiration date approaches, the meetings become more frequent.

Formal Contract
Negotiations Begin.

On May 9th in Seattle, Washington, the Union Corporate Committee will present Boeing our comprehensive contract proposal addressing membership issues. The Corporate Committee and Subcommittees will meet on an ongoing basis, following the formal presentation.

Strike Sanction Vote.

This important vote will be held on July 16 in Key Arena. Union members will meet to grant strike sanction support to our negotiators. This show of solidarity gives our negotiators power at the bargaining table. This year the Union has special solidarity activities planned for your entire family at the Seattle Center. Plan on making a day of it with your family.

Stay Informed
and Give Input.

Throughout the negotiation process, it is essential that we have two-way communication with the members. Attend shop floor meetings, focus groups, and tell Stewards your concerns and issues.

Round-the-Clock
Bargaining Sessions Begin.

Both the Corporate Committee and all Subcommittees meet round-the-clock with Boeing Company negotiators in late August to negotiate key contract issues. When a Subcommittee believes there is a resolution to a given issue, it is sent to the main negotiating table for concurrence.

Last and Final Offer.

After Boeing delivers its last and final offer, the Union will print a summary of the proposal, as well as a booklet highlighting all changes. This information will be available at all Union offices, as soon as we get it printed. We are pushing the Company to again present their last and final offer a few days before the vote so members have more time to review it. We have not reached an agreement on the actual date yet. Information will also be posted on the Union website at www.iam751.org.

Contract Vote.

Tentative scheduled for September 3rd. IAM members vote a two-part ballot. First, members vote to ACCEPT or REJECT the contract proposal submitted by the Company. Second, members vote to reaffirm strike sanction. The IAM Constitution requires 2/3's must reaffirm strike sanction in order to call a strike.