EVERETT, Wash — On day five of the machinists strike, Boeing workers spent more time on the picket lines.
"We are just trying to get our money,” said one Boeing employee. “We’ve been out here. We've been struggling. Until we see something fair that we want to take home, we are going to hold the line. We are going to hold the line."
Negotiations between Boeing and the union resumed on Tuesday.
In a statement, the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service says it is committed to supporting a fair and equitable outcome for all parties involved.
On Tuesday, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers President Brian Bryant traveled to Everett to show support for workers on the picket line.
"You have to remember, it's been a decade that these workers, they've sacrificed their wages, they've sacrificed their pension, they've sacrificed on their health insurance. Enough is enough,” said Bryant. “They need to be respected for the work that they do for the Boeing company."
Workers want a 40% pay increase. They rejected a tentative contract with a 25% increase over four years.
"Clearly, Boeing needs to bring their offer up. Something that's going to be acceptable to their workers,” Bryant said.
Boeing sent a message on Monday to employees saying the company must act now to preserve cash. The chief financial officer is calling for a hiring freeze across Boeing and a reduction in supplier purchase orders. The company is also considering temporary furloughs.
Gun flashed on picket line
On Monday morning, a security guard flashed a gun on the picket line, according to the King County Sheriff's Office.
KCSO deputies responded to reports protesters were blocking access to the Boeing distribution center in Seatac. There were no reports the security guard pointed the gun at anyone, but the security guard will not be allowed to return to the company.