FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Striking Machinists to Vote New Offer from Boeing
Birmingham, AL, January 28, 2006 – Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) on strike at Boeing space and defense facilities in Alabama, California and Florida will vote Wednesday, Feb. 1, on a revised contract offer from Boeing that has “substantive, not substantial,” changes, according to IAM spokesman Bob Wood.
“We are nearing three months on strike,” said Wood. “We have a duty to send this to the membership for a vote. It’s democracy at its finest. The strikers at Boeing have the final say on whether to keep striking or not.
“There was some movement on the part of the company in insurance premiums and deductibles, as well as caps on premium costs,” said Wood. “Boeing offered the establishment of a committee to find ways to reduce retiree health care costs for future hires.”
“For three months, we have fought Boeing to a standstill. We have taken on a giant like Boeing and persevered. We are fighting a battle most people in this country have been unwilling or unable to take on. We are on strike not only for our families and communities, but for everyone who works for a living.”
Negotiations resumed in Birmingham, AL on Friday, and were the first substantive talks since the strike began on November 2, 2005.
