Boeing has entered formal contract negotiations with its machinists union, less than three months before the current three-year collective bargaining agreement is to expire.
More than 18,000 machinists working for Boeing in the Seattle, Washington area, as well as in Portland, Oregon and Wichita, Kansas, are represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 751.
Talks centred on District 751's initial contract proposal to management. Union officials say top issues facing members include retirement benefits, health care and job security.
Leading negotiations for District 751 is IAM unit president Mark Blondin. Jerry Calhoun, Boeing Commercial Airplanes vice-president of human resources, is leading Boeing's negotiating team.
"We are optimistic as we enter this round of bargaining. We have all been through hard times in the last few years, but we met the challenges," says Blondin in a statement.
"Our members did the right thing, using their skills and hard work to increase productivity and efficiencies, and helped Boeing through very difficult times. We encourage Boeing to do the right thing and offer a fair contract. We recognise Boeing still has challenges to face, but if we work together to face them, we are all more successful."
Adds Calhoun: "This is a real opportunity for us all to respond together to the challenges Boeing and our employees face. We have a tremendous respect for the work done by our machinists. We're ready to listen and learn from everyone interested in making our future brighter and more secure."
Three years ago, contract talks between Boeing and the IAM turned into a bitter dispute centring on job security and pay rises.
Federal mediators were brought in, and a contract was finally ratified in mid-September after the machinists failed to raise a required 66.6% majority vote in favour of strike action.
More than 18,000 machinists working for Boeing in the Seattle, Washington area, as well as in Portland, Oregon and Wichita, Kansas, are represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 751.
Talks centred on District 751's initial contract proposal to management. Union officials say top issues facing members include retirement benefits, health care and job security.
Leading negotiations for District 751 is IAM unit president Mark Blondin. Jerry Calhoun, Boeing Commercial Airplanes vice-president of human resources, is leading Boeing's negotiating team.
"We are optimistic as we enter this round of bargaining. We have all been through hard times in the last few years, but we met the challenges," says Blondin in a statement.
"Our members did the right thing, using their skills and hard work to increase productivity and efficiencies, and helped Boeing through very difficult times. We encourage Boeing to do the right thing and offer a fair contract. We recognise Boeing still has challenges to face, but if we work together to face them, we are all more successful."
Adds Calhoun: "This is a real opportunity for us all to respond together to the challenges Boeing and our employees face. We have a tremendous respect for the work done by our machinists. We're ready to listen and learn from everyone interested in making our future brighter and more secure."
Three years ago, contract talks between Boeing and the IAM turned into a bitter dispute centring on job security and pay rises.
Federal mediators were brought in, and a contract was finally ratified in mid-September after the machinists failed to raise a required 66.6% majority vote in favour of strike action.
Source: Flight Daily News
