Source: AFP
The union of striking Boeing workers said on Friday that talks with the aerospace giant had “broken down” without a deal after about 33,000 American workers walked out this month.
Workers in the Pacific Northwest region walked off the job Sept. 13 after overwhelmingly voting against a contract offer, effectively shutting down assembly plants for the 737 MAX and 777.
“Talks have been suspended and we have no further dates scheduled at this time. We remain open to talks with the company, either directly or through mediation,” the International Union of Mechanical and Aerospace Workers (IAM) said on its website.
Boeing said it was ready to meet again with the union.
“We remain committed to restoring our relationship with our represented employees and negotiating in good faith, and we want to reach an agreement as soon as possible,” the company said in a statement.
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Boeing on Monday announced its “best and final offer” aimed at appeasing the demands: a 30% pay cut for striking workers and the reinstatement of an annual bonus.
A deadline of the end of the day on Friday was set for striking workers to sign the agreement, but the IAM said the proposal did not go far enough.
The union said in a message Friday that it had engaged in “frank discussions” with Boeing along with mediators from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS).
“While talks have been prompt, we have not made progress on the pension issue. The company remains adamant that it will not unfreeze the defined benefit plan,” the IAM said, citing a key issue for some workers.
He added that the company “will not substantially address” other issues such as higher wages, faster wage progression and more pay.
Source: AFP
