Boeing machinists to vote on proposal Wednesday, members claim 'no deal'

Renton, Wash. – The Boeing Machinists Union will vote Wednesday on a “negotiated proposal” to end a weeklong strike, but skepticism remains.

On Monday, both on the picket line and behind closed doors, certain union members said they would vote no on the 33,000 machinists' latest proposal.

“I guess it's not a deal,” said a member who identified himself as Paul as he stood outside the Renton gate. “This is our only chance to stand up for what we believe in, and generally, the membership wants a defined benefit pension.”

He was planning to vote no. “The weather doesn't affect me. Daylight doesn't affect me. It's a matter of policy to only get the benefits that the company is able to provide for us, however long it takes.”

The offer includes a 35% salary increase over four years, among other line items, according to IAM. However, Steve Hodson, who says he has worked at the company since 1979, says he is focused on the lack of pensions.

Related: Boeing faces uncertainty amid layoffs

“I'm going to vote no because I'm going to fully recover my pension. I'm not going to cave to this proposal,” said Hodson. “General wage growth is fine. We've been trying to catch up for the last 10 years where we've only gotten 1% per year. Inflation has just skyrocketed.”

He also dismissed a suggestion by Boeing's CEO that the company would have to cut 10% of its workforce.

“Maybe it's a scare tactic to intimidate union members. Hey, we're giving you this offer. You have to take it,” he said. ABC News aviation analyst and longtime Boeing watcher John Nance said that regardless of the vote, production has been affected.

“Boeing will recover from this, but they will be hurt,” he told KOMO News. “It throws a monkey wrench into the whole aircraft manufacturing industry when you have a strike like this and people are out for such a period of time.”

Also see: Boeing strike may end as IAM reviews new contract with increased wages, benefits

Nance also believes the job freeze was years in the making and may be connected to the company's headquarters move to Chicago.

“I just hope we don't see the need for it anytime soon. Boeing didn't have to move that headquarters to Chicago. They didn't have to do what they did in terms of changing the focal point, and they made some of it necessary from the point of view of a lot of engineers, I think,” he said. “The movement in Chicago, in my view, was purely a punishment for the unions.”

According to the IAM, employees will be able to vote for one of the eight positions on Wednesday, with a final result announced after polling information for Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at 5 p.m.

Voting will be held from 8 AM to 5 PM at each location unless otherwise specified. Anyone in line can vote by 5 p.m. You'll need a photo ID – either a driver's license or your Boeing badge – to vote.

After the polls are over, counting will be done in each union hall or polling station. All vote totals will be called at Seattle Union Hall for final tabulation. Once verified, results will be announced at Seattle Union Hall, on our website and in the media.

There shall be a ballot to accept or reject the Bargaining Agreement. Since we are already on strike there is no need for a strike vote. A simple majority (50% + 1) of those votes will determine the result.

See also | Another recession followed with strikes, layoffs, and losses at Boeing

There is no remote voting for any member.

If the vote passes, the return-to-work dates will be as follows: You may return to work as soon as possible before the first shift on Friday, October 25, 2024, for those who wish to return as soon as possible. You must return to work at the start of your shift on Thursday, October 31, 2024.

Poll location

Auburn Hall

201 “A” St. SW

Auburn, WA 98001

Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Renton Hall

233 Burnett Ave N.

Renton, WA 98057

Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Seattle Hall

Seattle Union Hall

9135 15th Pl S

Seattle, WA 98108

Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Everett location

Angel of the Winds Arena

2000 Hewitt Ave., Suite 200

Everett, WA 98201

Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Fredrickson location change to Puyallup Fairgrounds

110 9th Ave SW

Puyallup, WA 98371

Enter the Gold Gate, head towards the Expo Hall

Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Moses Lake – Our Moses Lake member poll times/locations will be released tomorrow, 10/22/24.

Victorville

Holiday Inn

15494 Palmdale Road

Victorville, CA 92392

Hours: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Edwards AFB

Picket line location

Edwards West Gate entrance via Rosamond Blvd.

Edwards AFB, CA 93560

Hours: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm