More than 3,200 Boeing defense workers initiated a strike on Monday, dealing another blow to the troubled aviation giant. The union members from Missouri and Illinois, responsible for producing F-15 fighter jets and other military aircraft, rejected Boeing's latest proposal, citing unsatisfactory pay, work schedules, and pensions. Boeing's Air Dominance unit vice president, Dan Gillian, expressed disappointment, noting that the rejected offer included an average wage increase of 40%.
The work stoppage marks a significant moment, as it's the first strike at Boeing's defense division since 1996, revealing workers' frustrations over their treatment. The union’s strike announcement emphasized that it’s about “respect and dignity, not empty promises,” highlighting the growing tension.
Boeing's CEO Kelly Ortberg, however, downplayed the potential impact of this strike, suggesting it would be much smaller than last year’s large-scale strike involving 30,000 passenger jet workers, which had a substantial financial effect on the company.
Boeing has been navigating a series of crises, including safety scandals and operational disruptions, while struggling to restore its reputation in the aerospace industry. The company's recent performance has been disappointing, with only 348 aircraft delivered last year—the lowest since the pandemic began.
The work stoppage marks a significant moment, as it's the first strike at Boeing's defense division since 1996, revealing workers' frustrations over their treatment. The union’s strike announcement emphasized that it’s about “respect and dignity, not empty promises,” highlighting the growing tension.
Boeing's CEO Kelly Ortberg, however, downplayed the potential impact of this strike, suggesting it would be much smaller than last year’s large-scale strike involving 30,000 passenger jet workers, which had a substantial financial effect on the company.
Boeing has been navigating a series of crises, including safety scandals and operational disruptions, while struggling to restore its reputation in the aerospace industry. The company's recent performance has been disappointing, with only 348 aircraft delivered last year—the lowest since the pandemic began.
