Boeing considering pension benefits for gay employees
Nov 26, 2012, 8:22 AM | Updated: 8:25 am
Boeing is considering a new issue in its contract talks with engineers and technical workers: pension benefits for gay employees. (AP Photo/file)
(AP Photo/file)
Boeing has a new issue to consider in contract talks with engineers and technical workers: pension benefits for gay employees.
Boeing offers several benefits for same-sex workers, but not survivor pension benefits. The Seattle Times reports the issue came up last week during contract negotiations with the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA).
Washington’s gay marriage law takes effect Dec. 6 but pensions are regulated by the federal government, which does not recognize same-sex marriage. A company spokesman promises Boeing will examine how the new law impacts the company.
The state cannot force Boeing to offer pension survivor benefits to gay employees but the company could do it voluntarily. It’s not clear how many Boeing employees might be eligible for such benefits.
