IAM 751 remains bullish at rally as strike enters day 33
Addressing a workers’ rally in Seattle, IAM Union District 751 president Jon Holden remained bullish about the union’s ability to achieve the contract it’s after; promising that “the IAM will never walk away” from ongoing negotiations with Boeing. However, despite the venue being well-attended, Holden’s promises appear to be at odds with continually increasing frustration among some union members who believe the union no longer represents their best interests.
Reflecting on these concerns, “some have said that we should get up and walk away,” continued Holden, who maintained that he “[cares] too much about this membership to do so” and will continue to “do what it takes to get a contract for [its] members”.
“No matter what tactic they try, Boeing will never drive a wedge between our members in this Union. We will channel our member’s intensity at the bargaining table. We draw strength from this membership – we know this and so does this company,” continued the IAM.
“Boeing doesn’t need to [drive a wedge],” responded one union member. “Union leadership’s already done that for them by overpromising and underdelivering for years. At this point, the only thing holding the strike together is the free donuts at the picket lines”.
Although both sides say they are committed to reaching a compromise, the two appear at an apparent impasse, with Boeing now considering deep-cutting layoffs at it frantically attempts to bolster its financial position.
“While the union packs halls chanting slogans like ‘one day longer, one day stronger,’ let’s be honest; no one’s gotten stronger after 33 days of standing around waving signs. The only thing growing stronger is the back pain from holding up those ‘fair contract’ posters,” responded one member on social media.
The union concluded that its previously-advertised temporary / seasonal job fair has now reached full capacity, testimony to both its commitment to maintaining the strike as long as it deems necessary and the desire of many to find an alternative source of income.
