Boeing has retracted its contract proposal for approximately 33,000 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) following an impasse in negotiations with union representatives. The company claimed that IAM did not seriously consider its proposals during the two days of discussions.
Stephanie Pope, President of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, communicated to employees that "The union's demands far exceeded what could be accepted if we aim to stay competitive as a business." As a result, she stated, "Further negotiations are currently unfeasible, and our offer has been rescinded."
Conversely, IAM accused Boeing of being adamant about maintaining an offer that union members have already rejected. Last month, Boeing announced what it termed its "best and final" offer, proposing a 30% wage increase over four years—a figure below the union's demand for 40%.
Boeing reported that it had introduced new and enhanced proposals to try and reach a consensus, which included increases in take-home pay. According to a Reuters report, Jon Holden, the lead negotiator for the union, noted that although Boeing suggested improvements concerning minimum guarantees for an annual performance bonus, it did not make significant concessions on the broader demand for higher wages.
"They're attempting to take credit for slight, insubstantial adjustments that don’t substantially address major issues in a manner that we could reasonably present to our members," stated Holden, who presides over IAM District 751.
