IAM 751 President Jon Holden gives a strike update

The Boeing machinists’ strike is in its third week. On Friday, the company and the union were back at the negotiating table. 

This came after Boeing made another offer earlier in the week, its “Improved Best and Final” one. It was quickly rejected.

There were criticisms that it didn’t go far enough. Also, that the company had disrespected the negotiating process by releasing the offer’s details to the media.

Meanwhile, the company has begun requiring thousands of managers and non-union employees to take one week off without pay. This will occur every four weeks as part of temporary rolling furloughs. 

They’ve also implemented a hiring freeze, cut back on business travel, and reduced spending with suppliers.

Currently, 33,000 machinists are on strike, pushing for higher wages and the restoration of their pensions, among other demands.

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. 

GUEST: Jon Holden - President of the International Association of Machinists District 751

RELATED LINKS:

• Boeing, Machinists back at the negotiating table as strike enters third week | The Seattle Times
• Striking Machinists find little to like in new Boeing offer, won’t vote on it | The Seattle Times
• Boeing makes a 'final offer' to striking workers, but union says it's not good enough - NPR
• IAM/Boeing Contract 2024 - UPDATES from the Union