Boeing Firefighter Lockout – Prelude To Bigger Union Trouble?
Boeing and its firefighter union in Washington State still can’t agree to a deal. But is this just a taste of what’s to come in September?
There is mounting criticism of Boeing, concerning its negotiations with the International Association of Firefighters Local I-66. The union’s contract is up for renewal. But after the firefighter union rejected two contract offers, Boeing locked out its union members.
Boeing’s HQ in Virginia. Photo: mr_t_77, CC BY-SA 2.0There are several sticking points between the two sides. Union representatives have objected to Boeing’s suggested pay scale, which they claim doesn’t place workers at “top pay” until after they’ve worked for 20 years.
Boeing has offered the firefighter union members an average first-year pay of $112,000, up from $91,000. This offer remains on the table, and Boeing has reiterated that it wants the union to let its members vote on it.
Boeing’s Everett factory. Photo: Jeremy E..