The Boeing workers union is calling on the new CEO to “make a real commitment” to end the strike

Allison Lampert and David Shepardson
| Reuters

Boeing’s largest union on Tuesday called on new CEO Kelly Ortberg to become more involved in collective bargaining to end the strike by about 33,000 workers on the U.S. West Coast after the U.S. plane maker cut their health benefits.

In August, former Rockwell boss Collins took the helm of Boeing, which has been rocked by several crises this year, including the strike that hit production of Boeing’s best-selling 737 MAX jets.

“It’s time for the new CEO to really get involved at the proposal level and take the reins away from his subordinates who are pushing back and forth on critical decisions like this,” said Brian Bryant, president of the International Association of Machinists (IAM) and Aerospace Worker representing the striking workers.

“There is no reason why the issue of health benefits could not have been taken up to allow more time for negotiations at the bargaining table,” Bryant added in a statement.

The Sept. 30 restriction on striking workers’ access to their Boeing health insurance plans had long been known, and the union urged workers on Monday to find alternatives.

Talks between Boeing and IAM’s District 751, which is negotiating the deal, broke down last week and it is not clear when talks will resume.

“We remain committed to reshaping our relationship with our represented employees and negotiating in good faith and want to reach an agreement as quickly as possible,” Boeing said in a statement.

Boeing workers in the Seattle and Portland, Oregon, areas walked off their jobs Sept. 13 in the union’s first strike since 2008, halting production of three commercial aircraft models and putting the plane maker under financial strain.

The union is seeking a 40% wage increase and the restoration of a defined benefit pension that was removed from the contract a decade ago.

Last week, Boeing made an improved offer to striking workers that it described as its “best and final.” It would give workers a 30% pay increase over four years and restore an incentive bonus. However, a survey of its members showed the union said this wasn’t enough.

The Boeing workers union is calling on the new CEO to “make a real commitment” to end the strike

ByJasper

By Jasper

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