Boeing Withdraws Offer Made To Striking Factory Workers—No Further Negotiations Planned
ForbesSEP 27 2024
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.