Boeing union slams ‘final’ 30% pay raise offer

The union representing thousands of striking Boeing workers has criticized what the aircraft giant called its “best final offer” for wages, which proposed a 30% increase over four years.

The new offer also included the reintroduction of a performance bonus and improved retirement benefits.

But the International Association of Robotic and Aerospace Workers said the offer was not negotiated with the union and was “thrown at us without any discussion” – a claim Boeing denies.

More than 30,000 Boeing workers went on strike earlier this month after rejecting a 25% pay raise offer.

“After listening to our employees and their concerns, Boeing today submitted our best and final offer,” the aircraft giant said in a letter.

The project proposes doubling the value of the one-off bonus for signing a new wage deal to $6,000 (£4,497).

Boeing said the offer is contingent on ratification by union members by midnight Pacific time on Friday, Sept. 27 (7 a.m. GMT on Saturday, Sept. 28).

But the Airport Workers Union said Boeing sent the new offer directly to union members and the media without telling union representatives.

“This tactic represents a blatant display of disrespect for you – our members – and the negotiation process.” IAM said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter,.

The union also said it would not hold a vote of its members before the deadline set by Boeing.

In response, Boeing told the BBC: “We have been negotiating in good faith with the Air and Maritime Administration since formal negotiations began in March.”

“We first presented the offer to the union and then transparently shared the details with our employees,” she added.

Boeing workers voted to strike on September 13 after rejecting a new contract that included a 25% pay increase over four years.

The union initially aimed for a number of improvements to workers’ salaries, including a 40% wage increase.

Nearly 95% of union members — who produce planes including the 737 Max and 777 — voted to reject Boeing’s initial offer.

Among voters, 96% supported a strike until a new agreement was reached.

The strike threatens to cost Boeing billions of dollars, deepening the crisis at a company already facing major challenges.

The effects of this crisis are already being felt across the industry and the broader U.S. economy, with Boeing halting shipments of most parts and taking other steps to save money.

The company has already laid off tens of thousands of employees.

The company also said that U.S.-based executives, managers and employees will be required to take one week off every four weeks throughout the strike period.

Government officials are now helping to mediate talks between the two sides.