SEATTLE — Boeing and the machinists' union are each accusing the other of bad-faith bargaining in competing complaints to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) as negotiations between the two sides have completely broken down over the past few weeks.
The strike of over 33,000 machinists has reached the end of its first month, and both the union and the company have indicated that they are far from reaching an agreement. IAM District 751 negotiators say Boeing is refusing to consider their proposals and the company claims the union is making "unreasonable demands" for their next contract.
Tensions appear to have reached a boiling point as both sides have gone to the federal government, accusing the other of labor violations.
Boeing's complaint, filed with the NLRB on Thursday, alleges that "the union violated its duty to bargain in good faith" and misrepresented the company's proposed deal to its members and the public. The union alleged that Boeing refuses to waver from a proposed Sept. 23 contract, which the company claims is untrue. Boeing said in the complaint that they made multiple improvements to take-home pay and benefit options after hearing the union's concerns.
The union has similarly accused the company of acting in bad faith related to the Sept. 23 proposed contract agreement. IAM District 751 negotiators allege that the company released the proposal directly to the media and union members without bargaining on it in an attempt to force a vote. Boeing said it was the company's "best and final offer" and that it was contingent upon ratification by the end of that week. The company later extended the deadline after learning of the logistical challenges of organizing a vote on that timeline.
IAM filed its complaint with the NLRB on Tuesday.
In response to the competing labor complaints, Boeing issued a statement saying they are committed to achieving a better contract for their employees. The company continued:
"Unfortunately, the union did not seriously consider these proposals and continues to insist on unreasonable demands. The union’s public narrative is misleading and making it difficult to find a solution for our employees. We remain committed to reaching a compromise to end the strike.”
KING 5 has reached out to the IAM District 751 for a statement on Boeing's allegations but has not heard back.
The ongoing strike has been a major blow to Boeing's business, with S&P Global estimating the company will lose $1 billion a month for the duration. The financial analysis company also put Boeing on CreditWatch, meaning it could be downgraded to a "junk" bond by the end of the year. Having a junk rating means a company has a higher likelihood of being unable to repay its debts.
Similarly, machinists union members have now missed their first paycheck and some are finding part-time jobs while negotiations continue. Machinists are each getting $250 a week in hardship pay from the union, and there have been multiple donations to the union's hardship fund - however, that money must be spread out amongst 30,000-plus people.
