The American aircraft manufacturer Boeing has proposed a pay increase of 38 percent over four years in a new proposal to the IAM (International Association of Machinists) union. This was announced by a regional branch of the union.
In the previous proposal, the third, the management still talked about 35 percent. On Monday, IAM District 751 members will vote on the 38 percent proposal.
More than 33,000 Boeing workers walked off the job on September 13 to demand higher wages. It is the first major strike in sixteen years at the aircraft manufacturer. The strike is raging in the two most important Boeing factories in the region, among others. This concerns the Renton (where the best-selling Boeing aircraft is built, the 737) and Everett (where the 777 is produced and various military programs are housed).
Union recommends approval
IAM District 751 represents the 33,000 workers who have been laid off. In a statement on the union’s website, IAM-District 751 said it had “recommended” members approve Boeing’s proposal.
“It is time for our members to anchor the gains and declare our victory,” it said. This is Boeing’s fourth proposal after previous failed rounds.
For example, on September 12, 96 percent of members rejected an initial proposal for a 25 percent pay increase. The majority also did not like a second proposal for an increase of 35 percent. The union has always argued for a 40 percent salary increase, but now appears to want to agree to the current proposal.