Jody Bennett, Resident General Vice President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union), has responded to Boeing Defense’s statements regarding a contract proposal ratified by IAM District 837 members.
“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 in a statement.
She continued, “Boeing has received an email and hard copy of our membership-ratified proposal and request for meeting dates and times.”
Bennett also criticized Boeing’s public messaging: “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.”
The union leader highlighted sacrifices made by IAM District 837 members during ongoing labor actions. “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,” she said.
“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 added.
Bennett accused Boeing of spreading misinformation about the negotiation process: “Boeing cannot wish it away with a press release filled with lies.”
She called for renewed negotiations between Boeing management and union representatives: “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,” she said.
“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.”
“As we continue to say, the ball is in Boeing’s court.”
The IAM Union represents around 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.
