| 2024 Boeing machinists strike | |
| Date: | September 13, 2024 – November 4, 2024 |
| Place: | Seattle, Portland, Southern California[1] |
| Causes: | Rejection of Boeing contract |
| Methods: | |
| Status: | Resolved |
| Side1: | |
| Side2: | |
More than 33,000 machinists employed by aerospace giant Boeing went on strike from September to November 2024.
It was the first strike by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers at Boeing since 2008; most of the striking workers were at the company's plants in Everett and Renton in the Seattle metropolitan area.[2]
The strike began on September 13 after 94.6% of workers voted to reject a contract promising a 25% pay raise over four years, and 96% voted to approve the strike, surpassing the two-thirds threshold.[3]
The strike temporarily halted the production of Boeing's 737, 777 and 767 jets and their derivatives such as the U.S. Air Force KC-46 tanker and Navy P-8 maritime aircraft.[4] [5] By October, the strike had cost Boeing an estimated $5 billion.[6]
Union members voted to end the strike on November 4 after a company offer of almost a 40% pay raise over four years and improved 401(k) benefits.[7]
On October 8, 2024, negotiations again collapsed, with no progress being made between representatives of Boeing and the striking workers.[8] Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Stephanie Pope released a statement claiming that the union "made non-negotiable demands far in excess of what can be accepted if we are to remain competitive as a business."[9] A union representative also acknowledged that no progress was made in the recent talks.[10] On October 9, it was reported Boeing would even withdraw its contract offer for a 30% pay raise, with the strike putting the company's financial state under severe strain and even resulting in the threat of Boeing's S&P Global Ratings status being downgraded to junk.
On October 10, Boeing filed an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board against the labor union with accusations that the leaders were not bargaining in good faith.[11]
On October 14, Boeing announced that the company would lay off thousands of workers.[12]
On October 19, Boeing reached a tentative deal to end the strike, offering 35% raises.[13] However, 64% of participating union members voted to reject the offer.[14]
On October 31, the union backed a new contract that would include 38% raises over 4 years and provide an option to the workers for either a one time ratification bonus of $12,000 or a $7,000 ratification bonus as well as a $5,000 401(k) contribution.[15]
On November 4, the strike came to an end after the voting on the new contract among the union members concludes with 59% approval.[16]