After months of backlash over recent plane mishaps and safety concerns, Boeing is starting contract negotiations with its largest union. For the first time in 16 years, the International Association of Machinists has been able to fully negotiate a new contract, and the union plans on using the the current Boeing safety concerns regarding the Max 737 as leverage.

Crystal City

Boeing is set to initiate contract negotiations with its largest labor union, marking a significant step for both parties. This comes after Boeing has faced months of criticism and backlash due to concerns about plane safety, particularly focusing on incidents related to its Max 737 model. The negotiations hold additional import as they represent the first opportunity in 16 years for the International Association of Machinists to negotiate a new contract in full with Boeing. With the ongoing safety issues surrounding the Boeing Max 737 as a backdrop, the union plans to leverage these concerns during the negotiation process.



Boeing to begin negotiations with its largest labor union

The International Association of Machinists represent 32,000 workers at Boeing. Here are some of their demands going into these negotiations. They would like to see a 40% wage increase over three years. They'd like to see a restoration of their traditional pension. They also want a commitment from Boeing to building its next new plane in the Pacific Northwest, guaranteeing jobs not just for a couple years but for decades to come, they say. They also would like a focus on quality and safety from Boeing. That's also a big part of this. The union recognizes that Boeing is under the spotlight right now for the issues of quality and safety, and they're hoping to use that to their advantage so they can show that by investing in their workers, Boeing is also investing in quality. I know that people are proud of the work they do, the product they build and feel that sometimes the rug is pulled out from under them, and we're gonna try and solve some of those issues through bargaining through this agreement and get something that respects our members. Boeing also says they want a deal. They do not want to strike, and they're confident that they'll be able to reach a deal before it gets to that point. Here's what the commercial airline CEO stand deal said earlier this week. As we sit down at the bargaining table, we believe there's a path to a new deal, a deal that addresses your needs while allowing our company to remain competitive so we can bring home new business for all of us. Vanessa Machania, Scripps News, Seattle.

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