Oct 8 (Askume) – Boeing Co (BAN) said on Tuesday it has withheld pay from about 33,000 striking factory workers on the U.S. West Coast and will not enter into further negotiations with union representatives.
Boeing Commercial Airplanes chief Stephanie Pope called the union’s demands “unreasonable” in a note to employees, saying, “Unfortunately, the union did not take our recommendations seriously.”
“There is no point in further negotiations at this point and our offer has been withdrawn.”
The union is demanding a 40% pay rise over four years and the restoration of a defined benefit pension that was abolished under a contract a decade ago.
Boeing last month submitted an improved offer, which it called its “best and final” offer, giving workers a 30% pay rise and restoring performance bonuses, but the union said it was not enough of a threat to its members.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers said in a statement that Boeing “remains committed to the non-negotiable solution proposed last month.”
It added, “They are refusing to offer pay increases, vacation/sick leave, promotions, endorsement bonuses, or 401k matching/SCRC contributions. They also will not reinstate defined benefit retirement benefits.”
