Boeing engineers OK contract; tech workers say no
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SEATTLE (AP) - It's a split contract decision from the union representing Boeing Co.'s engineers and technical workers.
The engineers on Tuesday accepted the aerospace company's four-year contract offer while technical workers rejected it and authorized a future strike.
Bill Dugovich of the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace said the votes mean the new contract for the 15,550 engineers is in place.
He said negotiators hope to resume contract talks soon on behalf of the 7,400 technical workers.
"If Boeing doesn't act in good faith and the techs do go on strike, you'll have people who are involved in the supply chain and the logistics and a lot of the actual manufacturing of aircraft. So they're key people. Boeing can not build aircraft without them," said Ray Goforth, SPEEA's executive director.
Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Ray Conner said in a statement that the company was pleased with the engineers' vote but "deeply disappointed" in the technical workers' rejection of what he called the company's "best and final" offer.
While a strike by the technical workers is not imminent, Dugovich said the vote meant the negotiating team can now call one at any time. Engineers and technical workers work on plans for planes and solve problems that arise on the factory floor.
SPEEA last went on strike for 40 days in 2000.
The engineers on Tuesday accepted the aerospace company's four-year contract offer while technical workers rejected it and authorized a future strike.
Bill Dugovich of the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace said the votes mean the new contract for the 15,550 engineers is in place.
He said negotiators hope to resume contract talks soon on behalf of the 7,400 technical workers.
"If Boeing doesn't act in good faith and the techs do go on strike, you'll have people who are involved in the supply chain and the logistics and a lot of the actual manufacturing of aircraft. So they're key people. Boeing can not build aircraft without them," said Ray Goforth, SPEEA's executive director.
Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Ray Conner said in a statement that the company was pleased with the engineers' vote but "deeply disappointed" in the technical workers' rejection of what he called the company's "best and final" offer.
While a strike by the technical workers is not imminent, Dugovich said the vote meant the negotiating team can now call one at any time. Engineers and technical workers work on plans for planes and solve problems that arise on the factory floor.
SPEEA last went on strike for 40 days in 2000.
All you MORONS blaming unions really don't have a clue, nor the education to get by the front door to change urinal cakes at Boeing. Boeing not the union caused the HUGE problems that the 787 is having it's cheaper to move 93 years of experianced aircraft manufacturing to China and 26 other countries hows that working for you Boeing.
PLEASE SEE BELOWÂ Â "The Shadow Knows"
Fact is, that it was because of the lack of unions, the 787 has become a boondoggle. Â In order to save money, Boeing outsourced much of the 787 to other countries. Â This was to save money. Â When the truth is finally out, I'll bet they didn't save anything, and probably paid more for the airplane. Â I was a union member for forty years and for the most part, it was a break even deal. Â Without the union, my wages would have been lower, but, because all employees got the same wage, the corporation I worked for wasn't able to pay the better employees what they were worth because the union contract guaranteed all the same money. Â The better employees were subsidizing the below average employees. Â But, most people who are anti-union are too lazy or can't pass a drug scan in order to get a union job. Â And unions are the main source of apprenticeships where almost all of our skilled people got their training. Â Without them, we'd be hiring many more foreign workers who are trained because we wouldn't have enough. Â The one union that is worthless and is hurting this country more than any other union is the teacher's union. Â The sooner this corrupt outfit is put out of business, the better.
Those unions. With all the trouble plaguing the 787, you'd think they'd step forward and make some sacrifices for the good of the company, especially when it comes to something like retirement.Â
Like last year when the Boeing CEO who oversaw the 787 project retired, he didn't get a pension. He's getting by on the package of compensation, stock and benefits valued at $57.4 million he took away. Why can't the union follow his example?
Max you are misinformed McNearney the CEO is still there has been about 8 years.The 787 is his baby and his disaster.Unions at Boeing have been taking a beating and have already given back much long before he showed up. McNearney use to be the CEO of 3M the place that maked duct-tape maybe he can get a break on duct-tape to keep his 787 held together.(4 years behind schedule and grounded)
@Ghetto Baby You're right - I didn't realize that the commercial airline business would have it's own CEO. That guy did retire recently and was replaced by Ray Conner.
Yeah, I'd definitly take my 57.4 mil and boogie. In a heartbeat.
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Actually you've got it backwards. It's the greedy exec's that caused the issue. The unions and general office did sacrifice and brought the company back. Then the greedy exec's took their 8 digit bonuses and said non for the rest of you. How do I know..? Because I was and am there.
@theuglytruth Go to work in china or a third world country and see how they operate without those pesky unions.
@TheUglyTruth @Repoman Although my job isn't a union one, I support unions, I don't slack at my job and therefore I'd have no fear of being fired.  Why are you so anti-union?  Do something so bad even your union couldn't protect you? Â
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And I could tell you a thing or two about the quality of parts manufactured in Japan or in Europe. Not necessarally cheaper and the quality many time is substandard. This is why the 787 was so far behind, it was outsorced and didn't work. I'm afraid you truly don't know about what talking.
@oodathunked Notice how quiet he/she got once I asked about those non-existent unskilled $50/hour jobs? Â
Bull sh it on the 50 bucks and the unskilled workers. Lets not forget how much money the Big B is makeing. They can afford what they pay in wages believe me. Not to mention the fact that those high wages boost the local economy. Come, let talk the ugly truth here.
@TheUglyTruth @Repoman Before we go any further in this discussion, what are the $50/hour jobs that unskilled workers are performing?  Also, are you oblivious to the fact that if unions went away, an awful lot of the employment laws that protect us all would disappear? Â
@TheUglyTruth
Or people who like getting paid enough to pay for their schooling, or benefits enough to take a vacation each year, or health benefits enough to get their children seen and vaccinated.Â
Greedy union bastards!
Ask Boeing how the 787 program is working, 4 years behind schedule, it's grounded Boeing cutting corners to save money, forget safety and 93 years of aircraft manufacturing shipped to China and 26 other countries. I worked there for 30 years I wouldn't let anyone fly on the 787 it will soon be known as the Edsel of the skies if it ever gets off the ground again.
@ghetto babyThe 787 has nothing to do with unions and all to do with design. Boeing has been the preeminent commercial aircraft maker for over 50 years - with unions every step of the way. What is your point?
Alot of it was designed in Russia China Italy Germany because it was cheaper it had everything to do with unions Boeing got away from unions for price it was CHEAPER. Back to the coal mines
"it will soon be known as the Edsel of the skies"...probably not but I guess we all have our hopes and dreams;-)
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You are correct, and the same thing goes for the NRA...they fight on behalf of gun manufacturers and pretend that it's really for the gun owners!
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No, he just explained the contradiction that is already in place;-) Gitterdone!
Best and Final offer is actually our sucker offer.. I was the union steward in a store in Cleveland, Ohio for many years, one thing i learned is big companies are nothing but liars.. Oh, and thieves..
Another company for sale by obama
@Bert Go back to talking to Ernie - its more your speed and intellect.
@Bert stfu moron
@Bert Won't happen.. But as a conservative, you wish !