In addition to dealing with government
agencies and the fallout from the Alaska Airlines incident earlier this year,
the Boeing Company is facing some internal strife.
The airplane manufacturer is looking at a possible strike.
The current machinists union contract with
nearly 32,000 workers is up on September 12.
The workers are represented by the International
Association of Machinists (IAM). The workers, who help construct Boeing planes
in the state of Washington, have threatened to go on strike if their contract demands
are not met and the current contract expires next week.
A strike authorization vote
was overwhelmingly approved in July.
Boeing told FOX Business: "We remain
confident we can reach a deal that balances the needs of our employees and the
business realities we face as a company."
IAM District 751 President Jon Holden said
the union is "fighting for respect" and seeks "reasonable wage
increases that reflect the value we bring and a retirement system that rewards
our longevity and skill when we must put down our tools because we can't work
any longer."
"Our proposals are not only reasonable but essential for
stabilizing a company currently in free fall," Holden continued. "While leaders come and go, it is
IAM members who fabricate, drill, fasten, assemble, and test. It is our IAM
members who move the parts, planes, and maintain the machines. We are the lifeblood
of the factory. Never forget that there is no Boeing without the IAM."
Boeing
has been under scrutiny since a
door panel blew off a flight in midair. The incident prompted further
review of the company’s safety practices and protocols, with CEO Dave
Calhoun eventually stepping down and being replaced by new CEO Kelly
Ortberg.
Boeing's stock price fell another 7.3
percent this week amid concern about a potential strike.
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