Boeing sends letter to Machinists ahead of 777X contract vote

Boeing Machinists are getting letters at their homes from the company ahead of Friday’s vote on a new contract offer.

The letter says the company wants to make sure union members have “an accurate and complete understanding” about the proposed labor deal that would extend the current contract to 2024. It includes a detailed breakdown of the contract extension offer.

The letter reiterates the company promise to guarantee fabrication of the new composite wing and final assembly would take place in the Puget Sound area. It is signed by Alan R. May, Vice President, Human Resources Commercial Airplanes.

Local union leaders say the contract involves too many concessions, including a plan to shift workers away from traditional pensions.

Union spokesperson Bryan Corliss said district leadership is recommending that members reject the contract at a time “when Boeing is recording record profit margins and has a near-record backlog.”

“Our members rejected this proposal by a 2-to-1 margin back in November. Boeing’s changes aren’t that significant, so here at the district we are pretty confident they will speak loud and clear again and say this is something we don’t want,” Corliss said last week.

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers called the Jan. 3 vote despite objections by local union leaders.

A group of elected officials met Tuesday with Boeing Commercial Airplanes CEO Ray Conner and said afterwards the vote is the last chance for the Puget Sound area to secure major work on the 777X.

“What we know now is should the vote not pass, the wing will not be built here. And the consequence of that is that we will lose the opportunity to not be engaged in what is, at this moment, the future of all new jets, commercial and otherwise,” said former Snohomish County Executive Bob Drewel.

Results of Friday’s vote are expected at 9 p.m.