PORTLAND, Ore. — Workers and union members are quickly approaching the one-week mark of striking in response to Boeing not meeting their demands for a fair contract.
Members of the International Association of Machinists (IAM) and Aerospace Workers voted against the latest proposed contract earlier in the month. It offered pay raises of 25% over a four-year contract, but many employees described it as insulting, and said they need something more that will make up for the last several years.
“It was just a joke; it was insulting more than anything,” said Amanda Amador, who has been with the company for a couple of years.
She said her view of the company has changed in recent years, as well: “I shouldn’t have to live paycheck to paycheck working for a company like Boeing. When I first came in, I was proud to work for Boeing, but now, I just feel embarrassed.”
Amador said she wants to start a family, but with the money she’s making, it won’t be possible.
Other employees, like Don Runger, said there has been a reduction in quality, too.
“The company’s really cutting corners — all the things you hear, it’s a lot different than it used to be,” said Runger.
Others at the rally also mentioned the reduction in quality, and mentioned it’s not just about the workers but the flying public’s safety.
“They have made critical errors, critical mistakes, and they are blaming us for that,” said Brandon Bryant, President Directing Business Representative for IAM District W24.
He said for right now, Boeing has requested a pause when it comes to mediation.
“We've been in mediation with them for the last couple of days. We took a break; the company said they needed some time to think about some things,” he said.
Others joined in, like Sen. Chris Gorsek, who represents District 25, which includes Gresham, Fairview, Troutdale and Wood Village.
“They’re not going to exist if you’re not there; am I right? You are Boeing, and so this contract is so terribly important,” said Gorsek to the crowd.
President of the International IAM Brian Bryant also spoke, explaining why the proposed contract Boeing did suggest was not good enough.
“They need to come to the table with an offer that truly reflects what our members need, what their workers need, and that’s something that makes up for the 10 years of wage stagnation, the 10 years of a loss of a pension, 10 years of the continuous increase in health insurance costs,” he said.
He said whatever deal is proposed next needs to be fair and respectful to the workers.
“With the right deal, they would be back to work tomorrow,” he continued.
Boeing’s president, Kelly Ortberg, sent out a statement to employees Wednesday, which said that in an effort to preserve cash and ensure the company can recover, they are starting temporary furloughs soon, which will impact U.S. executives, managers and employees. The statement also said that Ortberg and his leadership team will face a comparable pay reduction for the duration of the strike.
Boeing confirmed with KGW that the reduction will be 25%, in an effort to be comparable with the furloughs.
“Now, it’s time for Boeing [executives] to stop listening to the 50th floor and start listening to the factory floor and settle a fair contract!” declared Graham Trainor, president of Oregon AFL-CIO.