So, we had a tentative deal cut between Boeing and its Machinist Union, and it looked pretty good to me:
Boeing and the Machinists union leadership reached a last-minute deal Sunday that would avert a strike and give the aircraft manufacturer space to reset as it struggles to recover from multiple setbacks.
But many workers said the deal falls short of their demands, leaving the possibility of a work stoppage on the table.
The 11th-hour agreement — reached at about 2:30 a.m. Sunday, with the news publicly released a couple of hours later — will avoid a strike if a majority of the union’s members ratify the deal, as recommended by International Association of Machinists District 751 President Jon Holden, who led the negotiations.
The contract offers workers a 25% general wage increase, enhanced retirement benefits, fewer hours of mandatory overtime work and increased parental leave.
And, in what could prove a historic element of the contract for this region, Boeing offered a first-of-its-kind commitment that if it launches an all-new plane in the next four years, that jet will be built in the Puget Sound area by the local workforce.
It appears, however, that my initial impression was wrong, because Jon Holden, the local president says that he expects members to reject the deal.
Seeing as how he was the one wot negotiated this, I'm inclined to believe his prediction:
After an overwhelmingly negative reaction to a deal struck by Boeing and Machinists union leaders, union leader Jon Holden said Monday he expects rank-and-file members will reject the contract and strike late this week.
“The response from people is it’s not good enough,” Machinist union district 751 president Holden said in an exclusive interview with The Seattle Times at the union’s South Park headquarters. “Right now, I think it will be voted down, and our members will vote to strike.”
Boeing and union leaders announced the tentative agreement, which Holden has endorsed, early Sunday morning. Machinists union members will vote Thursday on both the proposal and whether to strike.
On Monday, hundreds of Machinists marched in protest through the Everett widebody jet plant during the lunch break, then gathered outside facing the factory’s giant doors, shaking their fists in the air and chanting “Strike! Strike! Strike!”
Boeing's credit rating is one step above junk, and they have been f%$#ing with their workers for decades.
The Machinists know that Boeing is in a cash crunch, and they do not trust Boeing not to f%$# them when the company recovers, so they are disinclined to to cut Boeing slack when they are up against the wall as a result:
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With Boeing’s credit rating now just one rung above junk bond status, a lengthy strike that hits cash flow and increases debt could have a dramatic effect on its financial standing.
Holden said the union will try to convey to its members the benefits of the offer, and why he’s recommending it be accepted. However, he doesn’t think that will turn sentiment around and get to a “yes” vote.
“I don’t believe that’s going to happen,” Holden said.
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Union members had hoped for a 40% pay hike and were disappointed by the contract’s 25% increase. But Holden said that’s the largest general wage increase for all members “in our history.”
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Some Machinists were set on getting back their traditional pension, given up in 2013. Holden said no company has ever restored such a pension after taking it away, and Boeing wouldn’t budge on that.
No one has ever done this before? Well, be the first.
Boeing labor relations have always been contentious, but it was always in the context of the employees believing int he company.
They no longer believe in the company, and so have adopted the mindset of senior management, they want their money now, the company be damned.
This is what happens when MBA types run a company.
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