Over 3,200 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837 Union, employed by Boeing in the St. Louis area, are gearing up for a potential strike on Monday, August 4. This action hinges on the outcome of a vote on a revised contract offer. Earlier this week, union members decisively rejected Boeing’s initial proposal, which included better wages and benefits. The union felt the offer didn’t adequately address their priorities and sacrifices. Now, after further discussions, a new proposal is on the table, and union members will cast their votes on August 3. If the revised offer doesn’t pass, a strike could commence at midnight on August 4, potentially disrupting Boeing’s defense programs.
Boeing’s latest contract proposal, presented on July 31, includes some tweaks aimed at benefiting senior union members. Notably, the company has decided to maintain current overtime policies, which were previously up for change. However, a $5,000 ratification bonus is off the table if the new contract isn’t accepted by Sunday. The revised offer also withdraws the alternative workweek schedule (AWS) proposal, keeping existing overtime policies intact. Additionally, there’s a new annual 50-cent per hour increase for employees at the maximum pay rate. For those eligible for pensions, there’s a full $10 pension multiplier increase in the first year, but employees must retire after January 1, 2026, to benefit from this. Other elements, like wage increases and vacation and sick leave, remain unchanged from the previous offer.
The contract proposed last month included a 20% general wage increase, which could grow to 40% with all pay enhancements. It also offered a faster path to the top of the pay scale for employees across different shifts. First and third shift workers could reach the top six years sooner, while second shift employees could do so nine years faster. As the vote approaches, all eyes are on the union members to see if this new offer meets their expectations or if a strike is on the horizon.
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Originally reported by Simple Flying Read More
