Strikes at Boeing Continue as Talks Break Down

Above: Striking Boeing workers hold rally at the Boeing Portland Facility on Sept. 19, 2024, in Portland, Oregon. Image copyright: Jordan Gale/AFP/Contributor via Getty Images

The Spin

Pro-establishment narrative

Boeing is being forced to introduce cash-savings measures — including furloughs for salaried staff — and the longer these strikes continue, the more chance of the company losing its prized investment grade credit rating. These strikes are hurting the business, and the workers should accept what seems like a fair deal.

Establishment-critical narrative

Boeing was determined to stand on its non-negotiable offer, which it briefed to the media before negotiations. In the talks, the proposals did not meet any of the union's demands on pay or sick days and didn't reinstate the defined-benefit pension scheme. There was no way their offer could be accepted.

Metaculus Prediction

There's a 1% chance that Boeing will release a new midsize aircraft, likely called the 797, into commercial service before 2030, according to the Metaculus prediction community.


Establishment split

CRITICAL

PRO