Boeing union members ratify new contract, avoid a strike
Apr 19, 2021, 6:00 AM
A sign on the exterior of Boeing's airplane production facility is seen on Feb. 22, 2021, in Everett, Washington. (Photo by David Ryder/Getty Images)
(Photo by David Ryder/Getty Images)
Boeing union members with Teamsters Local 174 have a new contract, avoiding a strike.
“Thankfully, Boeing saw the light. They took all their concessionary proposals off the table, and we were able to get to a contract that our members were extremely happy with,” said Jaime Fleming, director of communications for Teamsters Local 174.
Fleming tells KIRO Radio that more than 92% of union members attended Sunday’s virtual meeting.
“That’s what it takes to win a contract like this is that kind of solidarity and people really showing up,” Fleming said, adding that they ratified a contract with an over 99% margin.
Last week, more than 200 employees unanimously voted to authorize a strike if a deal couldn’t be reached before their contract ended on Friday. The workers manage transportation, trash, and fueling for local Boeing operations.
“Every part of the contract Boeing wanted takeaways, and they backed off all of that,” Fleming said. “So instead of takeaways, our members are getting better pay, better benefits, better contract language to protect them on the job. It’s a total and complete victory.”
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Boeing had previously told KIRO Radio it was bargaining in good faith and would continue to do so.
The KIRO Radio Newsdesk contributed to this report.
