The nearly two-month strike at Boeing which paralysed the aircraft manufacturer’s operations in Washington state has ended with an important victory for its workers. After rejecting two previous offers, 58% of Boeing employees represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) voted to accept a better deal, marking the end of one of the most challenging times for the company in recent years. Moreover, this contract will lead Boeing workers to a 38% pay increase over the next four years, combined with a ratification bonus resulting in fairer wages and benefits.
More Details about the Workers’ Victory
IAM’s lead negotiator, Jon Holden, drew on the importance of the strike in achieving this outcome, emphasising the repercussions of the victory. The new pay agreement also brings relief to Boeing’s leadership, in particular the new CEO Kelly Ortberg who has faced pressure to restore stability at a time when the OEM was already facing production delays and several high-profile incidents involving its aircraft.
Boeing can now proceed with plans to build its next new aircraft at its Seattle base in Washington State.
Regarding the development, CEO Kelly Ortberg said:
“While the past few months have been difficult for all of us, we are all part of the same team. There is much work ahead to return to the excellence that made Boeing an iconic company.”
Challenges and financial pressures
The strike has impacted Boeing significantly, which was already dealing with production delays and reputational damages deriving from malfunctions in its aircraft. According to the consulting firm Anderson Economic Group, the extended strike has cost Boeing nearly $10 billion. In addition, the company’s commercial aircraft division noted $4 billion in operating losses for the three months leading to the end of September. Thus, to manage these financial challenges, Boeing introduced a $20 billion share sale and announced a layoff plan affecting approximately 17,000 employees. The first redundancy notices will take place in mid-November.
Boeing’s Chief Executive Kelly Ortberg acknowledged the difficulties in encouraging workers to prioritise collaboration and unity as they work to restore Boeing’s reputation. With the return of the workforce, Boeing plans to continue its production efforts in Seattle, Washington which is known as the spiritual home of Boeing.
As Boeing and its workforce move forward together, will this new deal and the sense of unity help to restore the company’s reputation and ease its financial challenges? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
