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Machinist Union Opens Contract Talks With Boeing

SEATTLE, WA -- Formal negotiations between the Machinists Union and The Boeing Company opened today, as the Union presented a comprehensive proposal that reflected the issues identified by Union members. The contract opener was held a month earlier than previous negotiations in an attempt to provide both sides more time to resolve the complex issues.

District 751 President Tom Wroblewski noted, "We are cautiously optimistic as we enter this round of bargaining. We are in the strongest bargaining position we have had in years. By any measure, Boeing is one of the most successful companies in the world -- sales, profits, backlogs -- and our members are a huge part of that.

It hasn't been easy for our members during the last two contract negotiations. After the 9/11 attacks, our members had to face a Company determined to take away hard-fought benefits and contractual rights. I am proud of our members who demanded fairness during these difficult times.

However, IT'S OUR TIME THIS TIME! Boeing has rebounded and is experiencing tremendous profits, which have increased 828% over the past five years. That's not even counting the additional 38 percent increase this past quarter -- to the tune of $1.2 billion. Boeing's success is a direct result of the hard work and efforts of our members, who deserve a bigger share of the profits they helped create.

Whether it is fighting to secure the tanker order again (which Boeing lost due to unethical behavior) or working to get the 787 on track, it all rests on the backs of our members, who continually bail Boeing out when they are in trouble.

Boeing parted out the 787 because they wanted to save a buck. That decision has cost them billions because they have had to buy out suppliers and pay late delivery penalties. It's time Boeing re-invested in the infrastructure of their skilled workforce.

Their negotiation strategy of posturing to take away hard fought benefits is as flawed as their 787 production model. Both need a positive direction, which the Machinists Union can provide to secure a positive outcome for all. With Boeing posting profits second only to the gas and oil companies, It's Our Time This Time!"

The current 36-month labor agreement expires at 12:01 a.m. September 4, 2008.