Boeing Faces Potential Strike by 30,000 Workers Over Pay Dispute
By Allison Lampert
Boeing (NYSE:BA) is on the brink of a major strike as more than 30,000 workers demand a larger pay increase than the 25% over four years offered by union leaders. If no agreement is reached, Boeing's Seattle-area plane factories could be forced to close.
The voting process is crucial:
- Workers must first accept or reject the contract offer
- Those who reject the offer must then vote on whether to support a strike
If a majority accept the contract, it goes into effect. However, for a strike to occur:
- A majority must reject the contract
- At least two-thirds of those voting must support a strike
It's rare for contracts to be ratified with minimal worker support, as seen in a 2002 case at a Boeing plant in Kansas. The IAM's high strike threshold is meant to ensure strong union backing for labor actions.
Members will receive strike pay if a walkout occurs, but the outcome of the vote remains uncertain. Polling ends Thursday evening, with a potential strike beginning Friday if sanctioned.