Boeing, union reach deal to end strike

[Saj_A]

Agreed- staff have already lost 2 months wages for a deal that barely changed from the September offer.

And if SPEEA has any sense, they'll agree a new contract and avoid striking altogether.

However, I still find it insane, given Boeing's huge backlog, that they are only doing a 4-year deal. They should lock both unions into a longer, non-negotiable deal lasting 7+ years.

[Mike W]

I'm surprised they're going for 4. I would have thought the Unions (at least the people who run them - BYW, do they still get paid while the members are on strike?) would love an excuse to go out on strike every year (sic)

[Saj_A]

Nope, no pay while on strike.

Well, at least its all over now.

Only the SPEEA union to strike a deal with and its really ALL OVER!

[Saj_A]

SPEEA has authorised a strike vote.

Rather premature given talks are still ongoing...

November 13, 2008

Boeing stalls negotiations – Council issues strike authorization vote – Managers improperly poll members

With The Boeing Company stalling on responding to SPEEA counterproposals, the Northwest Council on Thursday authorized a member vote seeking strike authorization power for the Professional and Technical negotiating teams.

The bargaining unit councils each voted unanimously to hold a member vote on strike authorization. A simple majority “YES” vote gives the negotiation teams authority to call a strike if necessary. The action comes after two days of non-productive and discouraging dialog with Boeing over key economic issues, including wages, pensions, medical benefits and the company’s ongoing attempts to strip Utah engineers from the Professional contract.

“A great deal of progress has been made,” said SPEEA Executive Director and Chief Spokesperson Ray Goforth. “It would be unfortunate for customers, shareholders and employees of Boeing if we can’t reach a deal at the bargaining table.”

[Saj_A]

Results have just come in from SPEEA's contract vote and they have ratified the deal, averting a second strike.

[Mike W]

Maybe, just maybe, Boeing will start making some planes now. 787's and even a 748 or two would be nice.