EVERETT, Wash. — Another round of bargaining between Boeing and the machinists union failed, according to the aerospace company.
The two-day bargaining session with IAM District 751 ended Tuesday evening. It was the third round of bargaining with a federal mediator.
Boeing made "new and improved proposals" as it tried to reach a compromise with the union. That included an increase in take-home pay and retirement, according to the company.
"Unfortunately, the union did not seriously consider our proposals," a statement from Boeing COO Stephanie Pope reads. "Instead, the union made non-negotiable demands far in excess of what can be accepted if we are to remain competitive as a business. Given that position, further negotiations do not make sense at this point and our offer has been withdrawn.
This is a disappointing outcome and not one we wanted. We remain committed to finding a resolution and will work with the union when they are ready to bargain an agreement that recognizes our employees and preserves our company’s future."
The union has not yet responded.
The machinists have demanded a 40% pay increase and to have their pensions reinstated. Pensions were removed as part of contract negotiations in 2014.
Earlier negotiations on Sept. 18 and Sept. 27 didn’t result in an agreement between the two groups.
Boeing previously presented its “best and final offer” Sept. 23, which the union said was not negotiated. The deal included a 30% pay raise and increased contributions to 401k plans but no pension. The union rejected the offer.
The strike has prompted the company to institute furloughs on thousands of nonunion employees and implement a hiring freeze and has had ripple effects on suppliers who provide aerospace parts to Boeing.