Boeing's Seattle Workers Walk Out in First Strike Since 2008

Machinists Union Members Walk Out Over Contract Dispute

Nearly 2,500 machinists at Boeing's Seattle plant walked out on strike on September 3rd, 2022, the first work stoppage at the company since 2008. The strike is over a contract dispute between the machinists' union, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), and Boeing.

The IAM represents about 30,000 workers at Boeing, including machinists, assemblers, and engineers. The union has been negotiating a new contract with Boeing for months, but the two sides have been unable to reach an agreement.

Key Issues in the Dispute

The key issues in the dispute include wages, retirement benefits, and job security. The union is seeking a 10% wage increase over three years, while Boeing has offered a 5% increase. The union is also concerned about Boeing's plans to outsource more work to non-union suppliers.

The strike has caused disruptions to Boeing's production schedule. The company has said that it will continue to build planes, but at a reduced rate. Boeing is also bringing in temporary workers to replace the striking machinists.

Impact on the Economy

The strike could have a significant impact on the Seattle economy. Boeing is one of the largest employers in the region, and the strike could lead to job losses and reduced spending.

The strike is also likely to put pressure on Boeing's stock price. The company's stock has already fallen by about 10% since the strike began.

Next Steps

The IAM and Boeing are scheduled to resume negotiations on September 6th. It is unclear how long the strike will last, but it is possible that it could continue for several weeks.