Boeing and Striking Union to Resume Contract Talks on Friday, Reports Reuters

By David Shepardson and Allison Lampert

Boeing and its largest union are set to resume contract negotiations on Friday in an effort to resolve a strike that has significantly impacted airplane production and the financial stability of the aerospace manufacturer. This announcement was made by both the union and the company.

Since September 13, over 32,000 Boeing workers in the Seattle area and Portland, Oregon, have been on strike. This marks the first strike for the union since 2008, resulting in a halt in the production of key airplane models, including the popular 737 MAX.

Negotiators from Boeing and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) are scheduled to meet with federal mediators to try to overcome the current impasse, following the failure of negotiations just a week ago.

"The Union is ready for this opportunity to address the critical issues identified by our members to reach an agreement," IAM stated. "We are aware that negotiations are the sole path to resolving this strike."

Boeing confirmed that talks will proceed on Friday but did not provide additional comments on the situation.

Just hours before the strike began, nearly 95% of IAM members rejected Boeing’s initial proposal, which included a 25% wage increase over four years. Workers felt this offer fell short of compensating for more than a decade of stagnant wages that had not kept pace with inflation.

On Monday, Boeing presented a revised offer, claiming it to be its "best and final." This proposal included a 30% raise over four years and the reinstatement of a performance bonus. However, the union indicated that a survey of its members found this offer insufficient and chose not to present it for a formal vote.

IAM emphasized, "The company’s latest offer did not meet our members’ needs. This message was clearly conveyed in our recent survey."

The union has been advocating for a 40% wage increase and the reinstatement of a defined-benefit pension plan that was eliminated in the previous contract a decade ago.