Jody Bennett, Resident General Vice President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), responded to Boeing Defense’s recent statements regarding ongoing labor negotiations with IAM District 837. Bennett addressed claims made by Boeing that a proposal ratified by union members was “not real.”
“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.
According to Bennett, Boeing has received both an email and a hard copy of the union’s ratified proposal along with a request for meeting dates and times. He added: “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.”
Bennett highlighted that IAM District 837 members are seeking fair contract terms after working under challenging conditions. “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 stated.
He further criticized Boeing’s response: “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 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.”
“The men and women of IAM will not be silenced or dismissed,” Bennett continued. “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.”
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers represents about 600,000 active and retired workers across North America in industries such as aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, railroads, transit systems, healthcare services, automotive manufacturing among others.
“As we continue to say, the ball is in Boeing’s court,” Bennett concluded.
