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Tens of thousands of IAM District 751 and W24 members packed venues in the Pacific Northwest on Wednesday to tell Boeing that they are prepared to strike if a fair contract is not reached. The strike sanction vote, which allows union members to receive benefits in the event of a strike without delay, passed by a resounding 99.9%. The contract expires on Sept. 12, 2024.
District 751 members gathered at Seattle’s T-Mobile Park with a raucous crowd, hearing from IAM International President Brian Bryant, IAM Western Territory General Vice President Gary R. Allen, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler, and District 751 President and Directing Business Representative Jon Holden. District W24 members gathered in Portland, Ore., and heard from IAM District W24 President and Directing Business Representative Brandon Bryant and Oregon AFL-CIO President Graham Trainor.
“We want the company to take our proposals seriously and bargain earnestly. We don’t want to strike – but we’re ready and willing to do so to bring home the best aerospace contract our members have ever seen,” said IAM District 751 President and Directing Business Representative Jon Holden. “We aren’t just fighting for ourselves; we are fighting for everyone. From our family members to the flying public, we want everyone to be proud of this company once again. We are the watchdog with a unique opportunity to make things better for all.”
After years of input from membership, and 16 years since the group’s last full contract negotiations with the Boeing Co., the IAM District 751 and District W24 negotiating committee is pushing for many priorities, including:
“IAM members at Boeing across the Pacific Northwest are mobilized and more ready than ever to fight for what we’ve earned,” said IAM District W24 President and Directing Business Representative Brandon Bryant. “The turnout for this strike sanction vote signals that we are united and in solidarity to fight for our communities and the future of this company.”
The strike sanction vote is a critical momentum builder for the IAM as negotiations, which began in March, gain steam.
“Boeing makes billions of dollars off the skills, hard work, and dedication of our members,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “Our members deserve their fair share. They’ve earned their fair share. And the time has finally come when they will get their fair share.”
IAM District 751 represents more than 30,000 Boeing production workers in the Puget Sound region, while District W24 represents about 1,200 who work at Boeing’s parts plant in Portland, Ore.
“When we fight, we win – and it’s never been more clear that the largest and strongest aerospace union in the world is ready to fight,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Gary R. Allen. “Our members won’t accept anything less than what they deserve, and today that message was sent loud and clear to Boeing. It’s a high honor to stand along this strong membership during this pivotal moment.”
https://x.com/IAMBrianBryant/status/1813951741022687535
https://x.com/MachinistsUnion/status/1813755338946203854
https://x.com/OregonAFLCIO/status/1813725633077240068
https://x.com/MachinistsUnion/status/1813660772226224608
https://x.com/LizShuler/status/1813755935225180192
