Boeing has entered a final, two-week round of negotiations with its largest union with the threat of a work stoppage looming only one month before the scheduled first flight of the 787.
Both sides, which include Boeing and the International Association of Machinists, say they are cautiously optimistic a strike can be avoided, yet remain far apart on about half of the contract terms, with a union vote scheduled for 3 September.
The threat of a labour action comes as Boeing's workforce is absorbed in several critical development programmes. Besides the 787, Boeing is also working to achieve first delivery of the 777 Freighter and finalise the design of the 747-8 Freighter by the end of the year. The US Navy P-8A Poseidon, meanwhile, is being prepared for first its flight ahead of a year-long modification period.
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© Charles Conklin |
In a potentially troubling sign, both sides have confirmed to Flight International that the final round of talks has begun without a full agreement on non-economic issues.
Doug Kite, Boeing vice-president of labour relations, says there was "a goal to reach agreement [on the non-economic items] by the time we got to the hotel on 21 August". Contract negotiations are set to continue until a planned vote on 3 September, he says, adding: "We're not all the way to the goal, nor did we expect to be."
Tom Wroblewski, International Association of Machinists district president, also described the lack of a non-economic agreement as a disappointment.
"We should have had a lot more progress than what we did considering we started [main table] negotiations a month early," he says.
After clearing the non-economic concerns, Boeing and union officials will have less than a week to hammer out an agreement on economic issues, including a few sticking points for IAM members.
Boeing's proposal to raise minimum hourly pay by $1.28 has been dismissed as "insulting" by the union, which has countered with $4.50.
Source: Flight International
