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12 September, 2002IAM recommends rejection of the company's last offer and strike approval.
USA: After three days of mediated talks towards a contract settlement, during which Boeing management refused to budge on any key issues, the International Association of Machinists has called for a contract and strike vote by over 25,000 IAM Boeing workers on September 12 and 13.
The union is recommending that its members vote to reject the company's last contract offer and to authorise strike action. A two-thirds majority is necessary for a work stoppage.
Key contract issues for the IAM have been job protection for its members, the improvement of retirement security and maintaining high-quality health care. The IAM says that the company's final offer would cost thousands of jobs.
Bargaining between the union's negotiators and Boeing concluded on August 27, and the collective contract expired on September 2.