Boeing and the Grapes of Wrath
October 29, 2024
“Just last week, IAM 751 members were gifted nearly 1200 pounds of grapes,” explained the International Association of Machinists Union District 751 on social media – just one of many tangible offers of support local businesses have pledged to hungry workers holding picket lines as the strike rolls on into its 46th day.
Although the union noted yesterday that it has been “in communication with the US Department of Labor in an effort to spearhead getting back to the [bargaining] table,” its stated its “top priority” as “strength on the picketing lines;” believing that “the stronger [the union’s] lines, the faster [it returns]” to that negotiating table. However, with seemingly no progress made towards fostering essential discussions that could ultimately end the work stoppage – and Boeing attempting to shore up its own beleaguered finances through a new $19 billion capital raise – it seems both sides may be doubling down for the duration of this latest Great Depression.
Of the seven major previous strikes in Boeing’s history, the longest was initiated in 1948 and lasted over 140 days, with strikes averaging around 58 days in length. Although supposition on the timing of an eventual resolution remains highly speculative, were this latest impasse to continue past the previous record duration, that would place its ultimate cessation no earlier than February 2025.
There is a lot to be lost on all sides here; not least the investment-grade credit rating of a company clinging to the last rung of a ladder swinging above the abyss of ‘junk’ status or the endurability, not least profitability, of a veritable American institution that Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg believes, “with the right focus and culture… can be an iconic company and aerospace leader once again”. The human element, including the ongoing economic and social impact to machinists and their families, is also not one to be overlooked.
The IAM has praised the support local business continue to offer its members, stating that “whether it’s a post on social media, a hot cup of coffee, a stack of firewood, or an offer of temporary work, your contributions help us to hold the line for as long as it takes”. It continued to clarify that “Jersey Mike’s Subs have kept our people fed in Frederickson and CaveMan Kitchen in Kent made sure that no one walked the line hungry in Renton”.
However, despite many workers undoubtedly benefiting from the kindness of local businesses, “real security is a regular paycheck and health benefits – not charity and firewood,” responded one IAM member on social media. “For many members, dignity and respect also comes from providing for their families,” responded another. “We are builders and fixers. We should not stand and wait”.
Although the IAM has today highlighted that The New Mexicans Restaurant in Everrett, Tropy Lake Golf Course in Port Orchard, Stoneway Roofing, and Secoma Lanes are all offering employment opportunities, it’s a drop in the proverbial ocean for a multitude of members increasingly feeling the financial burden. Despite the listing being posted as an example of seasonal or short-term employment available, it nevertheless elicited one cynical member’s response: “Thanks for letting people know what businesses to avoid”.
Although the IAM 751 Hardship Fund exists “to assist members who may need help during a strike,” information accessible on its website – detailing locations of food banks, information about food stamps – could be construed as sobering reading, compounded by the financial pressures many will feel from an upcoming festive season. Despite the IAM noting “It seems as if [it has] gotten a load firewood from every corner of the state” for its picket lines (something “appreciated, especially on cold nights and colder mornings”), it seems many workers could yet be left out in the cold.
Admittedly, although there is no suggestion that potential strikebreakers will suffer the same fate as the peach plantation workers in John Steinbeck’s seminal 1939 novel, tensions remain high between all parties – with a 64% vote by IAM members to continue the strike attracting increasing resistance from those believing a return to work is long overdue.
Expressing her horror at the union’s suggestion that inclement weather is no barrier to picket line participation, a final social media commentator responded with the rhetorical: “Are you prepared to be hospitalised [in] ICU with no health benefit?” Or – as Steinbeck’s ‘The Grapes of Wrath’ suggested – “here is a sorrow here that weeping cannot symbolise. There is a failure here. In the eyes of the people there is the failure”.
