Jody Bennett, Resident General Vice President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), has responded to Boeing Defense’s recent statements regarding contract negotiations with IAM District 837 members in St. Louis.
Bennett criticized Boeing for rejecting a proposal that was ratified by union members. “Boeing’s attempt to dismiss the IAM District 837 membership-ratified proposal, overwhelmingly approved by the striking men and women on the shop floor, as ‘not real’ is both insulting and dishonest,” Bennett said.
He added that Boeing had received both an email and a hard copy of the union’s proposal along with a request for meeting dates and times. According to Bennett, “What’s not real is Boeing’s claim that it values its workforce while refusing to recognize the will of the very people who give their blood, sweat, and tears to produce the finest planes and other defense equipment that keep our nation and men and women in uniform safe.”
IAM District 837 members are currently on strike seeking a fair contract. Bennett highlighted their sacrifices: “IAM District 837 members risk their livelihoods and their families’ security to get a fair contract. Our members have sacrificed through long shifts, relentless pressure, and constant demands for efficiency and excellence. They are why Boeing has a product to sell, a reputation to defend, and profits to claim.”
He continued: “To call our members’ ratified proposal ‘not real’ is disrespectful to every worker who has stood on the line, kept production moving, and made this company what it is.”
Bennett called on Boeing to return to negotiations: “Boeing cannot wish it away with a press release filled with lies. It’s time the company stopped playing games with the livelihoods of the very people who make its success possible and come back to the table in good faith.”
He emphasized that union members would continue advocating for their interests: “The men and women of IAM will not be silenced or dismissed. It is our goal to reach a swift agreement so that our members can return to the workplace with a stronger voice, respect, and dignity. As we continue to say, the ball is in Boeing’s court.”
The IAM represents about 600,000 active and retired workers across North America in industries including aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, rail, transit, healthcare, automotive, among others.
