IAM union modifies offer to Boeing after meeting with mediator
ST. LOUIS - Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Union District 837 have modified their union-proposed offer to Boeing after resuming contract talks with a federal mediator.
Some of 3,200 IAM 837 have been on strike since Aug. 4 as contract negotiations with Boeing have continued to stall between the two sides.
During the strike, IAM 837 members have rejected two offers from Boeing. Boeing’s initial offer was a four-year deal that included a 20 percent raise and $5,000 signing bonuses. The second offer extended to five years, with a 24 percent raise and $4,000 signing bonuses.
In response to Boeing's offers, IAM 837 members created their own proposed offer, featuring increased 401k contributions and improved raises for top of scale members, but was rejected by the company.
Boeing and the union returned to the bargaining table on Monday with the inclusion of a federal mediator to help provide a new avenue to resolve the ongoing dispute. On Tuesday, the union modified its proposed offer to the company.
According to a spokesperson from IAM 837, the new offer is "within the parameters of the pre-ratified agreement approved by our membership."
In response to the offer, Boeing released the following statement.
"The union continues to set false expectations with its members. We’ve made it clear we’re ready and willing to discuss proposals within the parameters of our market-leading offer that union leadership has twice endorsed, not modifications to their self-drafted proposal," Dan Gillian, Air Dominance vice president, general manager, and senior St. Louis site executive, said. "We'll stay focused on executing our contingency plan, hiring permanent replacements and supporting our customers.”
Details of the modified offer is unknown. If Boeing accepts the offer, members of the union would have to vote on the modified offer.
As the strike continues, members of the union are holding a rally Wednesday in Hazelwood.
