St. Louis Boeing Machinists End 15-Week Strike with New Contract Approval
Boeing has successfully concluded a 15-week strike involving its machinists in the St. Louis area. On Thursday, workers voted 68% in favor of Boeing’s fifth contract proposal, marking the longest strike in the company’s local history.
Details of the New Contract
The newly ratified five-year agreement raises the ratification bonus to $6,000. However, it does not include previous options such as the $3,000 in restricted stock units. This decision was made to provide more immediate financial relief to employees, according to Steve Parker, the President and CEO of Boeing Defense, Space & Security.
Compensation Improvements
- Average base pay to increase from $75,000 to $109,000 per year.
- Workers will receive an 8% general wage increase in the first year.
- A 4% increase is set for each of the subsequent years.
- Top-paid employees retain a 1.5% general wage increase and a 2.5% lump sum in year four.
The new proposal did not include changes to retirement benefits or other wages from the company’s previous offers. Ultimately, the ratified deal contrasts sharply with a previous union proposal that included a $10,000 ratification bonus and enhanced 401(k) contributions.
Worker Sentiments
While many employees expressed dissatisfaction with the contract, they felt compelled to accept it due to the strike’s duration. Union member Frank Maniaci emphasized that continued striking would likely yield little additional benefit. Kevin Gray noted that the employees were fatigued and speculated that the company was banking on their exhaustion to push through the contract.
Despite mixed feelings regarding the contract, employees are eager to return to work. Striking workers will resume their duties starting with the night shift on Sunday.
To summarize, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers District 837 leadership officially endorsed the contract for the first time in several months. They expressed a commitment to continue advocating for fairness and respect for their workers in future negotiations.
Conclusion
The ratification assures that no employees displaced by replacement workers, whom Boeing had begun hiring during the strike, will lose their positions. Many employees like Tom Pierson are relieved to return to earning a paycheck, as financial struggles during the strike had been challenging.
