OREGON, USA — The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers announced Saturday they received a negotiated contract from Boeing.
This new tentative deal would offer a 35% general wage increase, compared to the 25% that was proposed in the original Sept. 8 contract.
The ratification bonus also increased from $3000 to $7000, and as for retirement, there will now be a $5000 contribution to the Boeing 401k account for employees.
Plus, their 401k match increased to 100% of the first 8% contributed, plus an automatic 4% company contribution.
IAM District 751 posted details about the tentative deal on their website and social media, stating that the new proposed contract is worthy of consideration.
They also noted the removal of the Machinists Retirement Savings Plan.
However there is no restoration of a traditional pension plan, or increased vacation or sick time, which is a big deal for some of those on the picket line, like Ayron Moran.
“There’s a lot of people out here that, they’re going to stake out until they get the pension,” said Moran.
Plus, he said after working for the company for eight years, he only has two weeks and one day worth of vacation time a year.
“More money’s always great, but if you have no time to use it, what’s the point?” he continued.
He said he would vote no.
Danny Vu has worked at Boeing for three years and said he would vote yes, but would need to know a little more.
He said the pension is not a deal breaker for him.
“A lot of companies now don’t have pension no more anyway, if pensions matter to them maybe this shouldn’t be the company for them then,” Vu said. “You can’t get exactly what you want, you don’t manage this company, you work for them.”
In a statement Boeing wrote that, “We look forward to our employees voting on the negotiated proposal.”
This all follows Boeing’s Oct. 11 announcement that they will be laying off around 10% of their workforce in the coming months.
They will also be delaying their 777X program and ending production of their 767 Freighters program in 2027.
For the new deal to pass, all that’s needed is a simple majority.
The vote is set to take place on Oct. 23.