Day 51 - Strike UpdateNovember 2, 2024
- beth7356
- Nov 2, 2024
- 2 min read
Machinists,
We have stood strong in the face of adversity, and I am proud of the significant gains that you have made. Over a decade of preparation and building our strength has brought us to this moment after enduring one of the worst contracts we had seen in generations.
Looking back at past agreements, it's clear after comparing them, how much we have achieved in the contract offer that sits before us today.
From 2002 to 2024, we saw 31.5% in General Wage Increases. Today, we’ve secured 38% over the next four years.
From 2012 through 2024, we saw a cost shift in healthcare onto our members. In this contract, we reduced the cost share with an immediate decrease in the monthly premiums.
From 2002 through 2021, we saw threats to our jurisdiction and to move airplane programs out of our state. In this contract, we achieved a commitment for the next airplane program when launched and a commitment to maintain the headcount in facilities and maintenance jobs.
In this contract offer, we have reduced designated overtime, achieved one set of progression in a career, improved short-term disability insurance, added paid parental leave, added eligibility for retirees for a post-65 Medicare Advantage plan, improved the 401k match, COLA will now also apply to minimum rates in the wage scale, secured a guaranteed 4% payout for the AMPP and many other improvements throughout the agreement.
During every negotiation and strike, we must continually evaluate where our leverage stands going forward. We believe that we have secured one of the strongest contracts in the aerospace industry. Many other bargaining units will be inspired by our strength and the results you all achieved.
This is truly the time to lock in these gains and work to build more in future negotiations. You can confidently declare victory, vote yes for this agreement, and build on this for generations to come.
We have built our leverage over the last 10 years to apply maximum pressure. Recognizing how powerful this bargaining unit is and deciding to secure these gains for the future is ensuring that every ounce of your power and leverage has been used to achieve this industry-leading contract.
We have accomplished an amazing agreement together. The decision to end this strike is right where it needs to be - in the membership’s hands. Allow yourself to capture this win and be proud of your sacrifice. Your entire bargaining committee believes it is time to settle this strike and move forward.
In Solidarity, Jon Holden and your Union Negotiating Committee
Guys! We need to listen very carefully to what our union leadership is saying. Now is the time to declare victory. The gains we have made are remarkable. Don't let a fringe group of disgruntled members lead you to believe this is not a good contract. This is an amazing contract! Voting this offer down would place us all in a very dire situation. A divided union is not what we want and that's exactly what will happen. Our leadership knows this. Thus the reason they warned us about regressive offers going forward. I do not believe our CEO Kelly Ortberg is bluffing and we've gained too much to call him on it IMO. I truly believe we have squeezed…
Looking back at past agreements, it's clear after comparing them, how much we have achieved in the contract offer that sits before us today. Compared to past agreements, this is a good contract. Compared to what we lost the last 10 plus years, we still have a way to go. Vacation/sick time, pension/retirement security, wages and ratification bonus still need to be addressed/revisited.
From 2002 to 2024, we saw 31.5% in General Wage Increases. Today, we’ve secured 38% over the next four years. Does not meet the 40% requested by members.
In this contract, we achieved a commitment for the next airplane program when launched and a commitment to maintain the headcount in facilities and maintenance jobs. This is a…