Boeing strike persists as workers dismiss 35% wage offer
Boeing employees have rejected management's proposed 35% wage increase, AFP reported on Thursday, citing a union website. This means their strike, which has been ongoing for a month and a half, will continue.
Approximately 33,000 workers from two critical factories in Washington State are participating in the strike. These factories produce some of the world's best-selling airplanes, including the Boeing 737, 777, 767, and several military programs.
In their latest offer, Boeing's management proposed a 35% wage increase over four years, but without reinstating the pension plan, which was eliminated in 2008. Most union members (64%) voted against this proposal on Wednesday.
Protesters want more
The protesters are demanding a 40% wage increase to offset the losses caused by longstanding inflation. They emphasize that the cost of living in Washington State is among the highest in the USA. The company's headquarters is located in Seattle.
On Wednesday, Boeing released its financial results for the third quarter of this year. The loss, amounting to $6.17 (CAD 8.53) billion, was the largest in almost four years.
According to the company, this is due to recurring airplane accidents. In the fourth quarter of 2020, the largest quarterly loss was $8.42 (CAD 11.64) billion.
As per AFP's calculations, Boeing's total net losses have exceeded $31 (CAD 42.9) billion since the beginning of 2020.
