Terry Muriekes, a tool-storage worker at Boeing's factory in Everett, Wash. for 38 years, holds a sign during a strike rally last week.“Our members have been able to get Boeing to move a lot,” said Jon Holden, the president of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers District 751.
Even before the strike, Boeing was grappling with production and quality control problems that limited production of its best-selling 737 line.
“Boeing is a bloated mess,” Michaels said. “They're very top heavy. And that slows down their decision-making.” The company is offering a 35% wage hike — a significant increase from the initial offer of 25%, though still short of the 40% raise the union wanted. The company would also increase its contributions to employees 401k retirement funds.Jon Holden, the president of IAM District 751, shakes hands with Kat Kinckiner, a Boeing tool-room clerk for 15 years, during a strike rally in Seattle, Wash.“When we lost our pensions, I cried,” said Kat Kinckiner, a union steward at the plant in Renton, Wash.
IAM 751 president Jon Holden says he understands why some of his members are still angry, and why some are still fighting to get the pension plan back.