Latest talks between Boeing and its striking machinists break off without progress, union says

NEW YORK– The union represents Boeing factory workers who currently are on strike in the Pacific Northwest said contract talks with the company ‘broke down’ after their contract final negotiating session.

In an update posted on social media platforms X And Facebooka regional district of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers claimed late Friday that Boeing would “not intervene substantively” on key issues important to members – such as higher wages – and did not heed calls to restore the economy. a pension with a fixed benefit that was abolished ten years ago.

No further bargaining dates were scheduled after Friday’s session led by federal mediators, IAM District 751 said. The union added that it remained “open to discussions with the company, either directly or through mediation.”

In a statement sent to The Associated Press on Saturday, Boeing said it was “prepared to meet at any time,” committed to negotiating in good faith and wanted to reach an agreement. as quickly as possible.

The aerospace giant published what it called its own on Monday “best and final” offer. The proposal included wage increases of 30% over four years – up from 25% in a deal that union members overwhelmingly rejected when they voted to strike on September 12, but still far below the union’s original demand of 40 % over three years.

Boeing angered union leaders by announcing the revised offer to its striking workers through the media and setting a deadline for ratification on Friday evening. In light of the setback, Boeing withdrew and gave the union more time. However, many employees believe that the last offer was not good enough.

The strike by nearly 33,000 engineers has now entered its third week, with negotiations also previously stalled during the strike that halted production of Boeing’s best-selling planes. The strike will do not easily disrupt airline flightsbut has put more pressure on a company already facing a series of financial, legal And mechanical challenges this year.