- Boeing boss plea to workers as strike vote looms
- Ortberg urges workers to avoid strike action saying it could damage ongoing recovery
- Earlier, Boeing and the union had negotiated an agreement, but it still needs to be approved by the union
Boeing boss plea to workers as strike vote looms
Boeing’s new CEO, Kelly Ortberg, is urging employees to avoid a strike, warning it could jeopardise the company’s ongoing recovery.
This plea comes just hours before a key union vote that could potentially lead to industrial action at the troubled aviation giant.
Earlier this week, Boeing’s leadership and union representatives negotiated a tentative agreement, offering workers a 25% pay increase over four years. However, the deal still needs to be approved by the union’s membership.
If workers reject the offer, a second vote could be held as early as Friday to decide whether to move forward with a strike.
The proposed agreement not only includes the 25% wage increase but also offers enhanced healthcare, retirement benefits, and 12 weeks of paid parental leave. Additionally, Boeing has committed to building its next commercial aircraft in the Seattle area if the project starts during the contract period.
Although the union initially pushed for a 40% wage increase, it seems not all of the 30,000 union members are satisfied with the current offer. Union leader John Holden acknowledged uncertainty over whether the deal has enough backing to pass.