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Increases achieved in this contract.
On November 5th, 59 percent of the 33,000 strong Boeing Machinists of Districts 751 and W24 voted to ratify a new contract. This ratification comes after their 53 days of striking which cost Boeing an estimated 5.5 billion dollars! Surely, they reminded Boeing and other bosses know that it is the workers who make companies money, and who make the world function!
Key wins were secured, perhaps the most notable being the wage increase and the raising of their 401(k) matching to 8 percent. To quote from IAM’s official website, their wage increase would be as follows: “38% general wage increase over four years – 13%, 9%, 9%, 7% which compounds to 43.65% over the life of the agreement.”
A joint statement was issued by the Presidents of IAM District 751 and District W24, Jon Holden and Brandon Bryant, stating that:
“Working people know what it’s like when a company overreaches and takes away more than is fair. Through this strike and the resulting victory, frontline workers at Boeing have done their part to begin rebalancing the scales in favor of the middle class – and in doing so, we hope to inspire other workers in our industry and beyond to continue standing up for justice at work. Through this victory and the strike that made it possible, IAM members have taken a stand for respect and fair wages in the workplace. Our members perform high quality and flight critical work for the airplanes we build and deserve a return on their labor investment that provides for the quality of life worthy of that labor.
This contract also creates a new foundation to build on for the future and that future begins today. We are ready to help Boeing change direction and return to building the highest quality and safest airplanes in the world. Our members are critical to that mission, and now have a stronger voice in the decision making process to ensure those needed improvements are made. ‘There is no Boeing without the IAM’ has been our battle cry, and we are ready, again, to do our part to bring this company back to the standard that it never should have strayed from.
Livable wages and benefits that can support a family are essential – not optional – and this strike underscored that reality. This contract will have a positive and generational impact on the lives of workers at Boeing and their families. We hope these gains inspire other workers to organize and join a union. Frontline Boeing workers have used their voices, their collective power, and their solidarity to do what is right, to stand up for what is fair – and to win.”
The contract sets a new standard for the aerospace industry, and brings a much needed return to work for those on strike. Furthermore, it can serve to inspire many other workers to fight for fair contracts and continue to improve their conditions.
The contract however is still missing a demand held by many of the workers, which will surely be brought up in 4 years — the restoration of a pension. The need for a pension in part spurned the creation of the Machinist Reform Action Committee, made up of members who were active in pushing for a pension restoration among other demands. Active in the strike, they engaged in internal organizing with fellow members and encouraged rank-and-file participation.
Rich conversation is sure to be happening on the shop floor in these 4 years until the next Boeing contract negotiations occur. For now, let’s congratulate these workers on their gains and wish them even more in the next contract!
Sources/further reading:
Labor Notes | Boeing Machinists End 53 Day Strike with 38 Percent Raise
