成人X站

成人X站 NEWSRADIO

Boeing machinists vote overwhelmingly to authorize a strike

Jul 18, 2024, 11:26 AM | Updated: 1:13 pm

Photo: Thousands of members of Boeing's Machinist Union met at T-Mobile Park Wednesday to decide wh...

Thousands of members of Boeing's Machinist Union met at T-Mobile Park Wednesday to decide whether to authorize a strike vote. (Photo: James Lynch, 成人X站 Newsradio)

(Photo: James Lynch, 成人X站 Newsradio)

Results are in, 99.9% of the thousands of Boeing’s Machinist Union members voted to authorize a strike vote if needed, the union confirmed to 成人X站 Newsradio.

The union is currently in talks with the company on a new contract. Members met at T-Mobile Park on Tuesday to vote. The current contract expires on September 12. Wednesday’s vote authorized machinists to walk off the job the next day, September 13.

“Hope for the best and prepare for the worst, so that’s what we’re doing today. Hopefully, we get a good faith offer from Boeing up front and this won’t be necessary,鈥 Boeing machinist Caraig McIntyre said.

Don鈥檛 be that person: State troopers fine ferry line cutters $145

Boeing machinists vote to strike for higher wages

The negotiations are the first in more than a decade — machinists are asking for a 40%聽 raise and they want the company to resume its pension plan.

Some machinists said it’s all about quality of life.

“Trying to maybe see if we can get our pension back as well as have a livable wage and so the younger generation can buy houses and have kids and all the things they need to do and the older generation can have peace of mind,” machinist Jena Weflen said.

While the vote is largely procedural, it can give the union a new tool in the negotiations.

“It does empower the negotiating committee, it does send a strong message,” local union president Jon Holden said about the vote during a June interview.

For example, the vote would free up funds in case members choose to strike later, he added.

North American unions have capitalized on tight labor markets to win hefty contracts at the bargaining table, with airline pilots, autoworkers and others scoring big raises. Boeing Machinist聽 Union members hope the same is said for them.

“But in the event it’s (the contract offer) unacceptable and those demands aren’t fairly met, then we will go on strike 鈥 for as long as it takes,” McIntyre said.

More from James Lynch: Police identify 2 girls who were with alleged Alderwood Mall shooter

Boeing released a statement prior to the vote, saying in part, “We remain confident we can reach a deal that balances the needs of our employees and the business realities we face as a company.”

The results of the vote are expected to be released sometime Thursday morning.

James Lynch is a reporter at 成人X站 Newsradio. You can read more of James鈥 stories聽here. Follow James on聽, or email him聽here.

More from 成人X站 Newsradio

成人X站 Newsradio

house floor republican...

John Curley Show

‘They’ve been lying, and nobody calls them on it’: Republican Rep. removed from House floor after Parents’ Bill of Rights outburst

The House of Representatives barred Republican lawmaker Jeremie Dufault from the floor for the rest of the legislative session following an outburst Thursday

15 hours ago

Guests including Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, Sundar Pichai and Elon Musk, arrive before the 60th P...

Matt Markovich

Bezos bolts, billions lost: Is Washington’s wealth walking out the door?

Jeff Bezos' relocation could signal a new era for Washington's tax future and wealth distribution. Explore the implications.

22 hours ago

(Getty Images)...

John Curley Show

Is social media ‘splintering’ the Democratic Party? John Curley weighs in

John Curley said that those who share posts online could be over-radicalizing the views of the Democratic party, giving Republicans a leg up.

1 day ago

rent cap washington...

MyNorthwest Staff

Washington Democrats push through rent cap bill after negotiations

Washington state lawmakers cap annual rent increases, ending a heated legislative battle on the final day of session.

2 days ago

Seattle mayor education levy...

Gee Scott and Ursula Reutin Show

‘Taxes are going up’: Will Seattle voters approve $1.3 billion in taxes for education?

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell proposes a tax increase to fund the Every Child Ready Initiative, enhancing education for all children.

2 days ago

Bob Ferguson tax proposal...

MyNorthwest Staff

Poll: Bob Ferguson grows on Republicans, sours on Democrats, amidst economic fear heightened

Washingtonians show stagnant views on the future as economic fears grow, revealing shifting sentiments toward Bob Ferguson and party dynamics.

2 days ago

Boeing machinists vote overwhelmingly to authorize a strike