Boeing machinists' union IAM rejects “best and final” offer as “disrespectful”

The union, the Boeings (BA) striking machinists is dissatisfied with the way the company is managing its “best and final offer” for a new contract. District 751 of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) he said on Monday after news of an offer for a 30 percent pay rise became known.

“Your bargaining committee has neither discussed nor taken a position on this offer,” the union told its members. “We have said all along that the union would be available for direct talks with Boeing, or at least expected to continue mediated talks if the company was willing. This direct bargaining tactic is a major mistake, is damaging to the bargaining process, and is an attempt to bypass your union bargaining committee.”

The term “direct negotiations” is important because it suggests that Boeing is trying to bypass its employees’ union in collective bargaining. This is prohibited under Federal Labor Law because it undermines the collective bargaining process. The IAM is trying to get closer to its target of a 40% wage increase; its 30,000 members have rejected a contract that offered a 25% increase.

Boeing did not agree with the wording of the IAM.

“Following an unsuccessful mediation by the federal government last week, we submitted a best and final offer that includes significant improvements and takes into account feedback from the union and our employees,” the aircraft maker said in a statement provided to Quartz. “We presented the offer to the union first and then shared the details transparently with our employees.”

However, in its message to members, the IAM anticipated and pointed out this scenario.

“Mediation failed on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, after the company refused to make an offer that takes into account our members' priorities,” the union said. “This proposal does not go far enough to address your concerns, and Boeing has missed the mark with this proposal. They are trying to drive a wedge between our members and weaken our solidarity with this divisive strategy.”

“This tactic is a blatant act of disrespect to you – our members – and the negotiating process.”