Jody Bennett, Resident General Vice President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), responded to Boeing Defense’s recent statement questioning the legitimacy of a union proposal ratified by IAM District 837 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.
Bennett stated that Boeing had received both an email and a hard copy of the proposal along with a request for meeting dates. He criticized Boeing’s public statements about valuing its workforce while not recognizing the union members’ decision. “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,” he said.
The statement highlighted sacrifices made by IAM District 837 members, noting their long shifts and commitment to maintaining production standards. “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,” Bennett added.
He called Boeing’s characterization of the ratified proposal as “not real” disrespectful: “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 urged Boeing to negotiate in good faith. “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,” Bennett concluded.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers represents around 600,000 active and retired workers across North America in sectors including aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, railways, transit systems, healthcare services, automotive manufacturing, among others.
