Boeing‘s decision to lock out around 130 members of the International Association of Fire Fighters Local I-66 has sparked backlash from union leaders and lawmakers, who are urging the aerospace giant to resolve the contract dispute.
The lockout came after the union members rejected two contract offers earlier in the month. President Joe Biden expressed concern over the move, amplifying pressure on Boeing to negotiate a fair deal with the firefighters.
At a rally held outside Boeing’s headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, IAFF President Edward Kelly, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler, and Representative Val Hoyle voiced their support for the firefighters and called on Boeing to engage in constructive dialogue.
Kelly emphasized the union’s desire for fair treatment, highlighting concerns over the proposed pay structure that would require nearly two decades of service before reaching top pay.
Representative Hoyle urged Boeing to prioritize safety and invest in its workforce, emphasizing the importance of maintaining skilled firefighters for the company’s overall safety and profitability.
Meanwhile, Democratic Senator John Fetterman took to social media to criticize Boeing’s actions, urging the company to focus on retaining critical safety workers and ensuring dignified wages, particularly in light of recent safety and quality control issues.
Boeing defended its contract offer, stating that it had proposed an increase in firefighters’ average take-home pay in the first year. However, the company emphasized the need for the union to allow employees to vote on the offer, which was presented before the lockout.
The lockout comes at a challenging time for Boeing, as it faces production challenges and heightened scrutiny from regulators following safety incidents, such as the recent assembly error on an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9.
