Boeing workers in northwest US begin strike after rejecting pay deal

NEWS WIRES

13 September 2024 at 4:06 am·2-min read

More than 30,000 Boeing workers in the Seattle region have gone on strike after they overwhelmingly rejected a proposed contract that included a 25 percent pay rise. Workers seeking a 40 percent hike criticised the deal as “misleading” since it eliminates an annual company bonus.

Thousands of Boeing factory workers in the United States walked off the job Friday after voting overwhelmingly to reject a contract with the embattled aviation giant, its first strike in 16 years.

Union leaders called for the strike to start just after midnight on Friday (0700 GMT), hours after hourly workers in the Seattle region in the Pacific Northwest spurned the tentative contract with a vote of 94.6 percent and to strike with 96 percent.

A strike will shutter two major plane assembly plants for the 737 MAX and 777 in the Puget Sound region and sidelines some 33,000 workers, further delaying the financially stressed company’s turnaround efforts.

“Our members spoke loud and clear tonight,” said Jon Holden, president of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers District 751, after the vote.

'We strike at midnight'

Picketers were out in front of the Renton plant—where Boeing’s flagship 737 Max aircraft is produced—in the early hours of Friday, holding signs reading “On strike against Boeing”, according to Bloomberg.

Boeing said it was “ready to get back to the table to reach a new agreement.”

“They’re talking about a 25 percent increase and it’s not,” said Paul Janousek, an electrician in Everett who voted to strike.

Australian Associated Press
China's actions 'dangerous' in disputed sea: Blinken
The US has delivered a firm message to Beijing at the ASEAN summit over its "increasingly dangerous and unlawful" actions in the South China Sea.
Australian Associated Press
Ex-cop sought explicit pics from teen girls via 'sexts'
A former police officer who chatted with two teenage girls on social media seeking sexually explicit images and video wants to avoid jail for his crimes.
Australian Associated Press
Restaurateur apologises for offensive anti-Israel sign
A remorseful restaurateur says his Jewish friends know he is not anti-Semitic despite displaying a Nazi symbol at a pro-Palestinian protest.
Australian Associated Press
Harris rips Trump for his criticism of storm response
Kamala Harris has slammed Donald Trump with playing politics with the US hurricane response after President Joe Biden told him to "get a life" over his attacks.
Australian Associated Press
Greens plan to end menopause treatment horror stories
The Greens want millions of dollars funnelled into ensuring health professionals better understand menopause and making its treatment more affordable.
Australian Associated Press
'Efficiency' required for tech-based DV policing move
People accused of serious domestic violence will either be behind bars or electronically monitored and NSW leaders believe the police force can handle the job.
Australian Associated Press
Montoya could be Bulldogs' Addo-Carr replacement
Warriors winger Marcelo Montoya will return to Canterbury on a two-year deal as Josh Addo-Carr's future at the club remains clouded.
Australian Associated Press
Action needed as Australia's dementia deaths surge
Dementia Australia says urgent preventative action is needed to tackle the incurable disease, the second-highest cause of death in the nation in 2023.
Australian Associated Press
Supermarkets tight-lipped on Tim Tam price discrepancy
Australia's major supermarkets say their suppliers are being hit by inflation which is trickling through to prices at the checkout.
Australian Associated Press
Public to rub shoulders with royals at Opera House, BBQ
King Charles and Queen Camilla will be out and about in Sydney and Canberra, offering fans a chance to catch a glimpse of the royal couple.
Australian Associated Press
'Fishing expedition' slammed as ex-NRL player sues club
Lawyers for NRL's Bulldogs want to get hold of communications involving ex-player Jackson Topine as he sues for millions in damages from the club.
Australian Associated Press
One dead, 12 rescued at US mine tourist attraction
Twelve people have been rescued after the elevator at a former Colorado goldmine tourist attraction malfunctioned, with one person confirmed dead.
Australian Associated Press
Act now as Myanmar crisis goes 'from worse to horrific'
Australia has been called on to take a more leading role in responding to human rights abuses by the Myanmar junta as families worry about their loved ones.
Australian Associated Press
Sleight of hand concern over gambling ban commitment
A leading advocate for Australian gambling reform has warned against any attempt to water down a response to a landmark report recommending a betting ad ban.
Australian Associated Press
NZ beat Tahiti in opening Oceania World Cup qualifier
Premier League-based striker Chris Wood has led New Zealand to a 3-0 victory over Tahiti and on their way to qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
Yahoo News Australia
Cruise passenger's nightmare ordeal after making simple mistake: 'Lesson learned'
Avid cruisers admit it's a known no-no when on board a ship. But these first-time passengers had no idea. Watch what happened.
Australian Associated Press
Wallaroos rising ahead of title battle with Scotland
The Wallaroos will take on Scotland in Cape Town on Saturday night (Sunday AEDT), with the winner to be crowned champions of the tier-two division of WXV.
Australian Associated Press
Harris player of the match as Vics and Tasmania draw
Victoria and Tasmania have called their Sheffield Shield match before tea on day four after it became clear neither side had a realistic chance of victory.
Australian Associated Press
Yankees return to ALCS, Guardians force series decider
The New York Yankees are back in the American League Championship Series as Major League Baseball's most successful team aim for a return to power.
Australian Associated Press
Win for banks over fugitive's 'audacious' $500m fraud
Westpac and two other banks can recoup funds taken through a $500 million fraud perpetrated by a fugitive former football club owner and his associates.

'We strike at midnight'

Latest stories