Boeing machinists reject labor deal on 777X by 67 percent
By: Reuters | Nov 14 2013 at 12:35 PM | Air Cargo | International Trade
Boeing Co machinists soundly rejected an eight-year labor contract extension on Wednesday that would have let them build the company’s newest jetliner in Washington, a historic decision that could forever alter the course of Boeing’s 97-year presence in the state.
International Association of Machinists members voted 67 percent against a deal that would secure an estimated 20 years of work building Boeing’s 777X jet, but a deal that would have terminated their pension plan and raised their healthcare costs.
The decision means Boeing will consider building key parts of the 777X, including the wings, in non-union U.S. states or in Japan, where it has already received an offer.
A crowd of more than 100 people erupted in cheers when the vote was announced amid a charged atmosphere at the union’s main hall in Seattle.