Boeing Union Workers Reject Contract; 96% Vote to Strike

Machinists Union Rejects Boeing’s Contract Offer

On Friday, August 19, 2022, members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) voted overwhelmingly to reject Boeing’s contract offer, with 96% of members voting in favor of a strike, according to the union.

The union represents approximately 25,000 Boeing employees in the Puget Sound region of Washington state. The workers have been without a contract since May 1, 2022.

Strike Could Begin As Soon As Monday

The strike could begin as soon as Monday, August 22, 2022, if a new agreement is not reached between Boeing and the union. A strike would likely have a significant impact on Boeing’s production, as the Puget Sound region is where the company builds its 737, 747, 767, and 777 aircraft.

Boeing has said that it is “disappointed” by the union’s vote to reject its contract offer. The company said that it is “committed to reaching a fair and equitable agreement” with the union.

The union has said that it is “prepared to strike” if necessary. The union said that it is “fighting for a fair contract that addresses the needs of our members.”

The last time Boeing workers went on strike was in 2017. That strike lasted for 40 days and cost the company an estimated $1 billion.