CHARLESTON, S.C. — The union representing West Coast Boeing machinists is looking to make inroads at the company's non-unionized factories following an "industry-leading" contract agreement for workers in Washington, Oregon and California.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) released a statement Friday linking a wage increase for non-union workers at the company's South Carolina factories to the two-month-long strike and subsequent contract agreement with IAM District 751 workers.
Charleston Boeing employees received a 9% wage increase and a $12,000 retention bonus - although an IAM press release did not specify when. The union claims that the pay boost is a ripple effect of the bargaining that took place across the country.
IAM International President Brian Bryant said representatives plan to speak with non-union workers in South Carolina about how unionizing could benefit them.
"Our members fought courageously for what they deserve, and this victory proves the power of collective bargaining," Bryant said. "IAM Boeing workers will help make the case to Boeing South Carolina workers on how we helped raise their wages and benefits at Boeing and the entire industry. We look forward to conversations on the ground in Charleston about how the IAM can make their workplace stronger."
In a statement, a Boeing spokesperson touted investments made in the region, as well as employee compensation.
“We continually invest in great pay and benefits for our employees and their families, in addition to the significant financial investments we continue to make here in the Puget Sound region," the spokesperson said. "All of this helps us attract and retain the best team for the long-haul as we steadily increase airplane production.”
The contract secured by the IAM District 751 for more than 33,000 machinists on the West Coast included a 43% compounded wage increase, improved 401k matching funds, improved healthcare and disability options, improved overtime rules and job-security provisions, among other improvements.
IAM said the "groundbreaking contract" is expected to have lasting positive effects on the entire aerospace industry, union and non-union alike.
Overall, the IAM represents approximately 600,000 active and retired members of the aerospace, defense, airline, railroad, transit, healthcare and automotive industries.
