Aerospace Machinists District 751 President Jon Holden (offscreen) announces union members reject the proposed Boeing contract and will go on strike following the results of a union hall vote on September 12, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. react.
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boeing company workers go on strike The unrest on Friday was the latest in a disastrous year for the U.S. plane maker.
But it’s unclear whether the shutdown will have an impact on the flying public, although there are concerns air travel could be affected next summer.
U.S. airlines that rely heavily on Boeing aircraft include Southwest Airlines, united and Alaska Airlines.
Southwest said in a statement that its operations are unlikely to be affected in the short term by any production delays that Boeing may ultimately suffer.
“Earlier this year, Southwest took steps to address potential delivery disruptions,” the airline said. “As a result, we currently have the fleet we need to meet our upcoming schedule. We remain in partnership with Boeing Communicate closely.”
Southwest only uses Boeing 737 aircraft, which are built in Renton, Washington, one of the locations where members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers are currently on strike. Southwest Airlines significantly lowered its delivery target for Boeing aircraft earlier this year.
A United spokesman said the airline was working with Boeing to understand the impact this might have on the airline’s delivery schedule.
An Alaska Airlines spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Henry Harteveldt, founder and president of the Aviation Industry Atmospheric Research Group, said airlines are responsible for maintaining the aircraft after they own it, and crews will not authorize the aircraft to fly if it is deemed unfit to fly. .
“The direct impact of the Boeing strike on consumers is likely to be minimal,” Harteveldt said. told NBC News.
Estimates of how long the strike might last vary widely. The last Boeing machinists’ strike occurred in 2008 and lasted nearly two months; however, Bank of America analyst Ronald Epstein said in a note to clients that the latest one may only last a week.
He noted that this is partly because Boeing is in a particularly weak position: Its position was severely damaged after an in-flight door panel explosion in January that triggered a nationwide grounding, federal investigation, and ultimately led to Boeing’s expulsion. The FAA continues federal surveillance of Boeing’s production. The company’s stock, a component of the blue-chip Dow Jones Industrial Average, is down about 40% this year.
Workers at the Boeing plant gather on a picket line near the entrance to the production facility on the first day of the strike in Renton, Washington, USA, September 13, 2024.
Matt Mills McKnight | Matt Mills McKnight Reuters
Epstein said new CEO Kelly Ortberg had taken a conciliatory approach toward Boeing employees in the lead-up to the strike.
“We believe Boeing may have to make further concessions and move closer to IAM’s original proposal,” Epstein wrote.
Boeing acknowledged in a statement that members of the International Association of Machinists found its offer “unacceptable.”
“We remain committed to rebuilding our relationship with our employees and unions, and we are ready to return to the bargaining table and reach a new agreement.”
Company executives warned that the strike could “jeopardize” the company’s recovery from recent scandals and quality problems.
A White House official said the Biden administration is in contact with Boeing and the mechanics.
“We encourage them to negotiate in good faith to reach an agreement that will provide employees with the benefits they deserve and make the company stronger,” the official said.
Despite efforts by union leaders to broker a last-minute deal, the strike was largely expected. Rank-and-file members of the 33,000 employees who make up the strike group say recent layoffs, the decision to move some production to Boeing’s non-union factory in South Carolina and a push for stronger compensation and protections have motivated striking workers Going on strike. Boeing had committed to building its next commercial airplane in the Seattle area under a tentative agreement.
Boeing appears to have made contingency plans ahead of the strike vote: Reuters reported on Tuesday that the company told suppliers it would delay a key production milestone for the 737 MAX by six months.
Harteveldt said if the strike continues, major airlines may not be able to meet capacity needs for next summer’s travel season explain.
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