Previous Strike Update

Resolve Is High
With one full week on the picket lines, members' spirit and resolve remains high in all locations. From Puget Sound, to Wichita, to Portland, to Edwards Air Force Base, members are united and walking the line.

Union negotiators remain ready to meet at any time with Boeing to resolve this dispute; however, Boeing must be willing to address your issues. Union negotiators talk daily to the mediator and will continue to push Boeing to get back to the table.

Lots of Support
Support from other Unions, businesses and the community has been tremendous. Special thanks to the other Unions at Boeing who have showed their support daily (as well as other Unions throughout the state). SPEEA, Teamsters, Operating Engineers (to name a few) have been organizing events with their members on the picket lines, dropping off food and other supplies and gearing up for their fight against Boeing in their upcoming negotiations. We will continue to coordinate activities with these Unions, as we all battle the aerospace giant for a bigger share of the profits we have generated and increased job security from a Company that has record profits and backlogs.

Control Your Finances
Here are a few tips to control your finances during a strike:
* Prepare a budget.
* List your assets.
* Set priorities.
* Stop credit purchases.
* Make a list of creditors and contact each.
* Reduce household expenses.
* Notify creditors early. Send letters explaining the situation (samples at Union halls and Union web site).
* Check out payment options.
* Food Assistance Programs - community meal distribution, school break and lunch programs.

Auto Insurance/Home Insurance: Contact your insurance agents and discuss ways to spread out the premium.

Credit Cards: Find out what the acceptable minimum payments are to keep your accounts current.

Advice in Dealing with Creditors and Unpaid Bills: Don't wait. Call early! Explain that you are on strike, along with 27,000 other Boeing employees, and are tightening your belts until a new contract is ratified. Ask each creditor to consider a reduced or delayed payment schedule for the next few payments.

Generally, creditors prefer to avoid repossessions or other legal actions. Have your loan or account number available before you make the call. Be sure to get the name of the person you spoke with and make a note of the date. If you write a letter, keep a copy. (Form letters are available at all the Union halls and on the web site.)

DON'T PAY OFF EVERYTHING AT ONCE. You may need to stretch out your money.