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Seattle, United States — Thousands of Boeing hourly workers voted in Seattle to authorize a potential labor strike if ongoing contract negotiations stumble, a union statement said Wednesday.
The result was generally expected but came on top of renewed scrutiny Boeing is facing after a series of troubles including a January incident in which a fuselage door plug blew out during a flight.
“We want the company to take our proposals seriously and bargain earnestly,” said Jon Holden, President of International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 751.
The initial vote — which passed nearly unanimously — provides advance notice to the union so members receive strike benefits if they vote to strike on September 12.
This comes before union members see a proposed contract. A second vote would be required on September 12 to strike if members reject the contract.
The local unit represents more than 30,000 people working at Boeing plants in nearby Renton, where the US aerospace giant’s 737 is assembled, and also in Everett, where the 777 is put together.
