Union workers at three different Boeing facilities in the St. Louis area, both in Missouri and Illinois, could go on strike as soon as midnight Monday unless a new contract deal is reached by 11:50 p.m. Sunday night.
About 3,200 International Machinists and Aerospace Workers union members could hit the picket line at facilities in St. Louis, St. Charles and in St. Clair County, Illinois near Scott Air Force Base about 25 miles east of the Gateway Arch in St. Louis' Metro East.
A work stoppage could possibly impact Boeing's production for the new model of F-47 fighter jets the company got selected to produce by the U.S. government earlier this year. St. Louis Public Radio reports the defense contract could bring in $20 billion to Boeing.
Multiple reports indicate IAM union members "overwhelmingly" turned down the latest contract proposal from Boeing this past Sunday and now the clock is ticking to get a deal done before the current agreement expires.
"The IAM Union remains committed to achieving a fair contract that meets the needs of our members," the union wrote in a press release. "The IAM Union looks forward to returning to the bargaining table with Boeing’s leadership to deliver meaningful improvements that support the well-being and livelihoods of IAM members and their families."
Some of the offers that were rejected in the latest offer from Boeing to the IAM union members include "a 20% general wage increase over four years and a $5,000 ratification bonus, as well as more vacation time and sick leave," according to a report from Reuters.
“We’ll manage through this,” Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg told Defense News. "I wouldn’t worry too much about the implications of the strike.”
"The proposal from Boeing Defense fell short of addressing the priorities and sacrifices of the skilled IAM Union workforce," the IAM press release adds. "Our members are standing together to demand a contract that respects their work and ensures a secure future."
Plans to continue negotiations have reportedly not taken place.
Source: www.theintelligencer.com
