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Previous Contract Updates
Contract Update
80% Vote to Reject
87% Vote to Strike
Members Vote Overwhelmingly to Strike Boeing;
Current Contract Extended 48 Hours for Additional Talks
SEATTLE, September 3, 2008 - For the Union and our members, this negotiation process has been about respect. We warned Boeing early on that their open and transparent process of going around the Union and trying to negotiate directly with the membership would not work. Despite our warnings, they continued with their program that disrespected the negotiation process. Our members reacted to the proposals Boeing was posting, but the Company wouldn’t listen.
Boeing spent a great deal of money trying to sell this contract to our members and the community. They purchased radio commercials, full-page color newspaper advertisements and met with editorial boards at the major daily newspapers. Boeing held mandatory meetings at work to coerce and intimidate members into accepting their offer.
The disrespect they have shown for the negotiation process is exactly the same way our members have felt and why they have been marching in the factories at lunchtime for the past weeks.
Tonight, an overwhelming majority of our members voted to reject Boeing’s last and final offer. Just as important, an overwhelming majority voted to strike because Boeing did not meet your expectations. You have spoken loud and clear. Your solidarity has made a difference.
Governor Chris Gregoire understood the impact a strike would have on the economy and has been talking to Boeing, along with the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, to look for solutions.
With their help and your resounding solidarity, Boeing has asked Union leadership to meet with them. The Union agreed to give this Company 48 hours to improve their offer and come up with one that will be acceptable to this membership.
We have agreed to extend the current contract. As Union leaders, it is our responsibility to do whatever we can to get a contract that is acceptable to our members short of a strike. We feel it is our job as Union leaders to explore every avenue available to see if we can get you an acceptable contract.
The Union position has not changed nor have your issues changed. The takeaways that are riddled throughout their proposal must be fixed. In addition, they must address the issues you have identified - Job Security, Medical, Wages and Pension.
Respect – Boeing went around the negotiation process and tried to unlawfully deal directly with our members. This disrespected our members and the bargaining process. We have encouraged them to do their negotiating at the bargaining table and have filed an Unfair Labor Practice to protest their strategy.
District 751 President Tom Wroblewski stated, “I am proud of this membership for standing up for what is right, for supporting this leadership, and I know I can count on each of you for your continued support for the next 48 hours.”
We feel it is our job to take every opportunity available to secure an acceptable contract. The International President has agreed to extend this imminent strike for 48 hours because we are putting you and your families first. The current contract has been extended and members should report to work tomorrow. Keep checking our website for updates. Through your continued solidarity we will be successful because It Is Our Time This Time!
In Solidarity,
Your Negotiating Committee
NOTE: We will have a 48-hour media blackout to allow the bargaining process to work.