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Previous Contract Updates
Contract Update August 24th 2008
Rally
We can talk about the pride we have as Machinists Union members, but the rally we had today speaks for itself in why we are proud to be the Fighting Machinists. Words cannot begin to describe the spirit and energy that flowed throughout the rally nor the pride everyone felt seeing thousands of Union brothers and sisters joining together in solidarity with a common goal. The roar of hundreds of motorcycles rumbling the street led the march that covered three lanes of International Boulevard for over half a mile. The Company can downplay it all they want as just another Union event, but you will see from the video it was much more than that and something they had better take seriously.
Our power is in our numbers. Our strength is in our collective voice. And it is that collective voice that will be one voice on September 3rd.
Demonstrating the community has much at stake in the outcome of these negotiations, Washington State Labor Council Secretary-Treasurer Al Link, State Senator Margarita Prentice, Commissioner of Public Lands Doug Southerland, 8th Congressional candidate Darcy Burner, Greg Deveroux from the State Employees , Operating Engineers, Teamsters, and many other addressed the enthusiastic crowd at the Doubletree Hotel. SPEEA President Cynthia Cole pledged support from SPEEA members, who will be at the bargaining table with Boeing in just a few weeks.
District 751 President Tom Wroblewski emphasized the need to stand together over the next week because It's Our Time This Time. He cautioned that Boeing needs to listen to the message our members are clearly sending. He applauded the impact the members are making on the shop floor.
Aerospace Coordinator Mark Blondin blasted Boeing's initial offer noting that while they pulled the Wichita issue off the table, there are still three strike issues on the table - not to mention their substandard economic and benefit offer. He recapped the issues and ended by saying "what we do at the bargaining table will raise the standard of living for all non-union households in these counties and in this country - it's our job to deliver that!"
Bolstered from the outstanding support of the members, Union negotiators will return to the table with a clear mandate to keep Boeing moving forward on our issues. The Company needs to move off the three remaining strike issues and substantially improve the economic package, which includes pensions. Thanks to all who participated. Your continued support on the shop floor will help deliver a contract fitting of the best aerospace workers in the world.
Negotiations
The Main Table met this morning to sign off several tentative agreements on non-economic issues from the subcommittees. While we were marching with our members, we hope Boeing was preparing a response to the Union proposal presented yesterday. Boeing appears to be trying to bog down the negotiation process by asking the subcommittees to pass their unresolved issues up to the Main Table. We continue to push forward to ensure Boeing brings forth a proposal deserving ofthe profits you have earned for this Company.
Surveys
We sent out an online survey last night asking for your input on GWI's and what you thought about the Company's first offer. A resounding 93% said it was not acceptable. This just confirmed whatwe told the Company, they are way off the mark.
Look for additional online surveys because your feedback is important during these final stagesStay strong, stay united - It's Our Time This Time!
In Solidarity
Your Union Negotiating Team