Boeing Strikers Should Accept Latest Lucrative Offer
The union has negotiated a 44% compounded raise over four years, plus a $12,000 signing bonus. Workers need to start making planes again.
A no vote would just indicate workers are out to punish Boeing.
Photographer: David Ryder/Getty Images
The devastating strike that has shut down Boeing Co. aircraft assembly in the Seattle area deserves to end after a vote on Monday by 33,000 machinists.
The leadership of the International Association of Machinists announced late Thursday that it had reached a labor agreement that would boost salaries by 44% when the increases are compounded over four years, plus a $12,000 signing bonus, more than enough to make up for wages eroded by inflation. Rank-and-file workers should vote yes and return with a mission to revitalize one of the great American manufacturers, which has been plagued by quality and safety problems.
A no vote on such a lucrative offer would indicate that union members are only seeking to damage Boeing. The offer provides a 100% match for the 401(k) retirement plan and reinstates an annual bonus with a minimum payout of 4% of salary.