Emotions flared at the Boeing strike when security guards fired guns amid picket line brawls

A running strike by 33,000 Boeing machinists It took a potentially dangerous turn Monday after a security guard displayed a gun after an altercation with workers walking a picket line outside the aircraft maker's headquarters in Seattle.

Sheriff's deputies responded to “a report of a disturbance” at a Boeing parts distribution center at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport early Monday, a King County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman told CBS MoneyWatch, citing reports of protesters blocking access to the property.

A security guard fired a gun as he left the premises, though there was no indication he pointed it at anyone, and he left without further incident, according to the sheriff's department.

Boeing called the incident “unacceptable” and said the contract security guard involved would not return to the company.

“We respect the right of our workers to peacefully picket and believe everyone should feel safe. We are cooperating with the King County Sheriff's Office as they investigate,” the aircraft manufacturer said in a statement.

Allied Universal, the security company that hired the guard, said it was investigating an alleged incident at a Boeing facility in Seattle. And, while the company's investigation is ongoing, “the individual has resigned from his employment and is no longer employed,” it said.

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, or IAM District 751, did not respond to a request for comment.

Tensions are running high between Boeing and striking assembly workers. On Monday, the aircraft manufacturer said Recruitment freeze Because of the strike, which began three days ago, the walkout “endangered” his business.

Workers voted overwhelmingly to reject a proposal that would have raised wages by 25% over four years, a deal that fell short of the union's initial demand for a 40% pay rise over three years. The union also tried to restore traditional pensions that were phased out a decade ago, but settled for increased contributions by Boeing to employees' 401(k) retirement plans.

Striking workers build Boeing's best-selling jetliner, the 737 Max, along with the 777 commercial jet and the 767 cargo plane at factories in Renton and Everett, Washington. Boeing 787 Dreamliners are built by non-union workers in South Carolina.

Boeing had already faced financial disaster and an earlier tarnished reputation strike. Since the beginning of 2019 it has lost more than 25 billion dollars due to various production problems and Under investigation by federal regulators this year.

IAM District 751 said in a statement that its negotiating committee will enter into mediation with Boeing on Tuesday. The union noted that the mediator will not have the power to force either party to agree to specific terms, but rather is acting as a neutral party that tries to help the parties find common ground.