Boeing Machinists union votes to strike
NPR Online NewsAUG 31 2024
Boeing Workers Reject Contract Offer, Begin Strike
Above: Boeing 737 MAX airplanes are pictured outside a Boeing factory on March 25, 2024 in Renton, Washington. Image copyright: Stephen Brashear/Stringer/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
While a 25% pay raise sounds nice on its face, many of these workers make $20 per hour or less — meaning the proposal won't even see them keep up with inflation. Seattle is one of the most expensive places to live in the country, which is why these men and women, who work dangerous factory jobs every day, are rightfully fighting for a living wage for themselves and their families.
Narrative B
While this vote certainly shows that unions still have some power, that won't last forever as technology threatens to replace human labor. Corporations across the country have had to lay off non-union workers, and even some union workers, due to rising costs. And even without considering the technology factor, American manufacturing companies are already beginning to shift their factories to Mexico.