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May 22, 2019, WASHINGTON – More than 70 members of Congress, led by U.S. Reps. Mark Pocan (D-Wisc.) and Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.), sent a letter demanding answers from Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg about workplace procedures and recent terminations of six IAM union supporters at Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner production facility in North Charleston, S.C.. The members of Congress are unsatisfied with the explanations these workers were given from Boeing for their dismissal, as well as the continued refusal to bargain with the IAM.
Read the complete letter here.
In May 2018, Boeing flight readiness technicians and inspectors in South Carolina voted to join the IAM. Since then, Boeing has refused to negotiate with the IAM. Since last year’s vote, six people have been terminated for showing their union support.
“I want to thank Reps. Pocan and Schakowsky for taking the lead on this letter to Boeing,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “We are at a time in our country’s history when we need more elected officials like these more than 70 members of Congress who have the guts stand up to huge multinational corporations and fight for working families.
“After voting nearly two-to-one for the IAM almost a year ago, Boeing flight line technicians and inspectors in South Carolina still haven’t been allowed to negotiate a better life for themselves and their families,” continued Martinez. “Boeing has refused to bargain while their appeal is being reviewed by the NLRB. During this period, six IAM union supporters were unjustly terminated. Our members want dignity, respect and consistency at the Boeing South Carolina plant and the ability to address any production issues with management without fear of retaliation. We call on Boeing executives to do the right thing by making these six terminated IAM members whole and negotiate with our members in South Carolina immediately.”
WATCH: Members of Local 531C are speaking out and sharing their personal stories.
The IAM represents more than 35,000 Boeing employees at locations nationwide. Flight Line Technicians in South Carolina voted on May 31, 2018 to join the IAM. Since then, Boeing has refused to negotiate with 178 flight readiness technicians and inspectors at its North Charleston, S.C. manufacturing facility.
