30 members of Congress call on Boeing to return to bargaining table
October 11, 2024
30 members of Congress have written to Boeing and labour unions, urging them to continue their discussions “to reach a fair contract in a timely manner” amid concerns from many constituents that the ongoing strike is pushing them into financial distress.
Led by Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (representing most of Seattle) and the Democratic Party-affiliated US Progressive Caucus, a public letter to Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg, IAM District 751 president Jon Holden and IAM District W24 president Brandon Bryant has stressed the urgency of returning to bargaining agreements.
“It is deeply concerning that as of October 1 2024, striking workers have lost their employer-provided health benefits for exercising their right to strike,” wrote Jayapal. With IAM District 751 and W24 workers having been on strike since 13 September, “Boeing’s latest offer, coupled with the workers’ lapse in health benefits, underscores the urgent need for a fair and equitable resolution,” she concluded.
In a social media statement posted the same day, IAM 751 reiterated it was “ready and willing to get back to the bargaining table at any time through direct or mediated talks;” reinforcing its belief that there is “room for progress”. Last week, Boeing withdrew what it termed its “best and final” offer, including a pay rise of 30% over four years (short of the union’s demands for 40% over three).
Pre-existing Boeing employee health and insurance benefits were revoked as of 1 October for striking workers, with the company having previously clarified: “Your active health and insurance coverages will end as of the date they return to a strike status”. From this date, employees on strike would have to elect for ‘COBRA continuation coverage’ – a programme allowing workers to temporarily maintain their employer-provided health insurance (which may also cover their families) by paying into it themselves.
