Boeing Workers Prepare to Strike Over Labor Agreement
Introduction
Boeing workers who build fighter jets are planning to go on strike, according to a recent report by AP News. The workers, totaling about 3,200, are based in facilities across the United States, with a large concentration in St. Louis. This decision comes after the workers voted to reject a modified four-year labor agreement with Boeing, as announced by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) union.
Key Details
The IAM union and Boeing had been in negotiations for months regarding wages, healthcare benefits, and job security. The rejected agreement included wage increases, but also proposed a shift from company-provided healthcare to a union-run trust. This change was met with resistance from the workers, who expressed concerns about the trust's financial stability and potential loss of benefits.
Additionally, the workers are seeking a guarantee that Boeing will keep the production of fighter jets in the United States, as the company has recently been shifting some of its work to cheaper international locations. This demand highlights the workers' dedication to their jobs and the industry, as well as their desire to protect American jobs.
Impact
The strike has the potential to significantly impact Boeing's production and delivery of fighter jets, which are used by the United States military. It could also have a ripple effect on the company's supply chain and other associated industries.