- Boeing workers to strike as 25% pay rise rejected
- Over 30,000 employees begin their strike at midnight on Friday
- Nearly 95% of union members rejected the pay offer, with 96% voting in favour of the strike
Boeing workers to strike as 25% pay rise rejected
Thousands of Boeing workers are set to go on strike after overwhelmingly rejecting a proposed agreement between union leaders and the company, which included a 25% pay increase.
Over 30,000 employees, responsible for building planes like the 737 Max and 777 in the Seattle and Portland regions, will begin their strike at midnight Pacific Time (0700 GMT) on Friday.
This walkout marks another major challenge for Boeing, which is already grappling with growing financial losses and a damaged reputation following multiple safety issues, including two fatal crashes.
The strike is also a significant hurdle for new CEO Kelly Ortberg, who took the helm last month with a mandate to steer the company back on track.
Nearly 95% of union members rejected the pay offer, with 96% voting in favour of the strike.
“Our members spoke loud and clear tonight,” said Jon Holden, president of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 751.
“We strike at midnight,” he added.