Jody Bennett, Resident General Vice President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), has responded to recent statements from Boeing Defense regarding contract negotiations with IAM District 837 members in St. Louis.
Bennett addressed claims by Boeing that a membership-ratified proposal from the union was “not real.” In a statement, Bennett said, “Boeing’s attempt to dismiss the IAM District 837 membership-ratified proposal, overwhelmingly approved by the striking men and women on the shop floor, as ‘not real’ is both insulting and dishonest.”
He further stated that Boeing had received both an email and a hard copy of the union’s ratified proposal along with requests for meeting dates. Bennett criticized Boeing’s position on valuing its workforce while not recognizing the outcome of its employees’ vote: “What’s not real is Boeing’s claim that it values its workforce while refusing to recognize the will of the very people who give their blood, sweat, and tears to produce the finest planes and other defense equipment that keep our nation and men and women in uniform safe.”
Highlighting sacrifices made by union members during ongoing negotiations, Bennett added, “IAM District 837 members risk their livelihoods and their families’ security to get a fair contract. Our members have sacrificed through long shifts, relentless pressure, and constant demands for efficiency and excellence. They are why Boeing has a product to sell, a reputation to defend, and profits to claim.”
He continued: “To call our members’ ratified proposal ‘not real’ is disrespectful to every worker who has stood on the line, kept production moving, and made this company what it is.” Bennett also accused Boeing of issuing misleading public statements: “Boeing cannot wish it away with a press release filled with lies.”
Calling for renewed talks between both parties, he said: “It’s time the company stopped playing games with the livelihoods of the very people who make its success possible and come back to the table in good faith.” He concluded by affirming union solidarity: “The men and women of IAM will not be silenced or dismissed. It is our goal to reach a swift agreement so that our members can return to the workplace with a stronger voice, respect, and dignity. As we continue to say, the ball is in Boeing’s court.”
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers represents about 600,000 active and retired workers across North America in industries including aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, railroads, transit systems, healthcare services, automotive manufacturing among others.
