Boeing Wage Talks Break Off Without Progress to End Strike, Union Reports

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) announced on Friday that negotiations for a pay deal with Boeing have ended, with no new negotiation dates currently scheduled.

IAM expressed in a message on social media that they remain open to resuming discussions, whether directly with the company or through mediation.

A Boeing spokesperson stated that the company is eager to improve its relationship with its represented employees and aims to reach an agreement swiftly, emphasizing their readiness for meetings at any time.

On September 13, over 32,000 Boeing workers in the Seattle area and Portland, Oregon, initiated a strike, the first for the union since 2008, which disrupted production of various aircraft, including the popular 737 MAX model.

The union is advocating for a 40% salary increase and the reinstatement of a defined-benefit pension plan that was discontinued in a previous contract a decade ago.

Boeing proposed an enhanced offer to the striking workers on Monday, characterizing it as their “best and final” proposition, which included a 30% pay increase over four years along with the restoration of a performance bonus. However, the union indicated that a survey of its members revealed this offer was insufficient.