Boeing says it's going to start furloughing 'a large number' of its white-collar employees amid strike
Business InsiderSEP 25 2024
Strikes Continue as Union Rejects Boeing's 'Best and Final' Offer
Above: A worker with a picket sign outside Boeing's manufacturing facility in Renton, Washington, US, on September 13, 2024. Image copyright: M. Scott Brauer/Bloomberg/Contributor via Getty Images
The Facts
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers have rejected a deal of a 30% increase in pay over four years, described by Boeing as its "best and final" offer to striking employees.
In a statement to its members on social media, the union accused Boeing of "disrespect[ing]" them by "sending this offer directly to all members and the media" before any appropriate negotiations had taken place.
Boeing's offer included a doubling of the one-time signing bonus to $6K, the reinstatement of a performance bonus, and improved retirement benefits. It added that the offer was contingent on union members ratifying the deal by midnight Pacific time Friday.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Boeing appreciates the great impact of its employees on both the company's success and failure. This is why it has offered staff this generous deal, and hopes it will be accepted so Boeing can go back to its innovative and industry-leading operations.
Establishment-critical narrative
This offer was not negotiated by the union, and Boeing circumvented the negotiating procedure in sending out its details to staff and the media in order to create internal divisions. This is unacceptable and, as such, the deal will not be considered.