The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) has responded to recent statements from Boeing Defense regarding ongoing contract negotiations with IAM District 837 members in St. Louis. Jody Bennett, Resident General Vice President of the IAM, addressed Boeing’s claim that a membership-ratified proposal was “not real.”
“Boeing’s attempt to dismiss the IAM District 837 membership-ratified proposal, overwhelmingly approved by the striking men and women on the shop floor, as ‘not real’ is both insulting and dishonest.
“Boeing has received an email and hard copy of our membership-ratified proposal and request for meeting dates and times.
“What’s not real is Boeing’s claim that it values its workforce while refusing to recognize the will of the very people who give their blood, sweat, and tears to produce the finest planes and other defense equipment that keep our nation and men and women in uniform safe.
“IAM District 837 members risk their livelihoods and their families’ security to get a fair contract. Our members have sacrificed through long shifts, relentless pressure, and constant demands for efficiency and excellence. They are why Boeing has a product to sell, a reputation to defend, and profits to claim.
“To call our members’ ratified proposal ‘not real’ is disrespectful to every worker who has stood on the line, kept production moving, and made this company what it is.
“Boeing cannot wish it away with a press release filled with lies.
“It’s time the company stopped playing games with the livelihoods of the very people who make its success possible and come back to the table in good faith.
“The men and women of IAM will not be silenced or dismissed.
“It is our goal to reach a swift agreement so that our members can return to the workplace with a stronger voice, respect, and dignity.
“As we continue to say, the ball is in Boeing’s court.”
IAM represents about 600,000 active and retired workers across North America in industries including aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, rail, transit, healthcare, automotive, among others. The union states that its members at District 837 are currently seeking a fair contract after voting on a proposal they say was delivered directly to Boeing via both email and hard copy.
