Talks between Boeing and its largest union are set to resume today. Both sides will seek to find an agreement that would end the ongoing strike by around 33,000 West Coast factory workers. The strikes have had flow-on effects with Spirit AeroSystems (in the process of merging with Boeing) considering furloughing employees if Boeing's machinist employeescontinue their strikes.
Boeing and union talks set to resume Monday
Talks between Boeing and its striking machinist employees were broken off over a week ago as Boeing and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers have struggled to find common ground. Boeing's new CEO, Kelly Ortberg, told employees on Friday, "A resolution with the IAM stands as a priority for me, and our team is ready to resume mediated talks this Monday."
According to Reuters, the strike has halted the production of Boeing 777, Boeing 767, and Boeing 737 Max jets. Despite Boeing's ongoing crises with the Boeing 737 MAX, it is one of the company's key revenue drivers. In an effort to conserve cash, Boeing has been furloughing tens of thousands of employees for one week every four weeks.
The Boeing CEO said, "I want to thank everyone for their commitment to our cash conservation measures...such resilience to help at this difficult time, especially as we ask many of our teammates to take temporary furloughs."
Boeing CEO eager to resolve strike
In an open letter addressed by Kelly Ortberg to all Boeing employees, the CEO stated that a resolution with the union is his priority. He also pointed out that Boeing has more facilities for him to oversee and manage than just those in Washington state.
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"A resolution with the IAM stands as a priority for me, and our team is ready to resume mediated talks this Monday," Boeing chief executive Kelly Ortberg said in a 4 October message to employees. "With no discussions scheduled over the past week, I was able to visit teammates at several additional sites across the business." - Kelly Ortberg in open letter
Kelly Ortberg then stated he had taken the opportunity in the lull in talks to visit with Defense, Space & Security leadership. He had also toured the MQ-25 and F-15EX production likes and talked with some employees on the floor.
Related Boeing Machinists Strike Affects US' Gross Domestic Product By Estimated $1 Billion
The $1.4 billion figure includes losses to the manufacturer, its employees, and suppliers.
14 Boeing's failed prior agreements
Boeing has recently made its "best and final" pay offer. This would have seen a 30% pay raise over four years, a reinstatement of the performance bonus, improved retirement benefits, and would have seen the ratification bonus double to $6,000. However, the union declined this after a vote.
Photo: Jonathan Hendry | Simple Flying
An earlier agreement that offered a 25% increase over four years was voted down by over 90% of workers in September. That agreement included a commitment to build the "Boeing 797" in Washington.