🚀 The White House is urging Boeing and striking machinists to reach a deal after workers rejected the company's latest contract offer, extending a strike that has halted production of some of Boeing's most popular jets.
President Joe Biden's team is keeping a close eye on the situation. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters, \"We're encouraging the parties to continue working to achieve an agreement that works for all. We'll keep monitoring those negotiations and continue to make sure that we encourage that.\"
Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su has been actively involved, making two trips to Seattle last week to assist in contract talks between Boeing and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM). A spokesperson for Su stated she is \"available to support\" both parties.
The stakes are high! 🎯 The six-week strike has put the brakes on production of Boeing's best-selling 737 MAX, as well as the 767 and 777 wide-body programs. With 64% of workers voting against the latest deal—which included a 35% wage increase over four years—the tension is palpable.
The rejection follows an earlier vote where a whopping 95% of workers turned down a previous offer with a 25% pay hike. The union is pushing for a 40% pay rise and the return of a defined-benefit pension. Workers' frustrations have been building for years, and it's now impacting Boeing's financial health.
Since the strike kicked off on September 13, Boeing has announced plans to cut 17,000 jobs and is looking to raise up to $15 billion from investors to maintain its investment-grade credit rating. Airlines are feeling the heat too, trimming schedules due to aircraft delivery delays. ✈️
Despite the setbacks, union leaders are ready to get back to the table. \"We're prepared to immediately resume negotiations with Boeing,\" they declared after the latest vote. Here's hoping both sides can find common ground soon! 🤞
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White House urges Boeing, striking union to work to reach deal
cgtn.com
