Boeing union on strike files complaint over unfair labor practices

A union representing more than 3,200 striking Boeing workers announced Thursday that it had filed a complaint against the U.S. aircraft manufacturer with the National Labor Relations Board for unfair labor practices.

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers represents members who assemble fighter jets and munitions at Boeing plants in the St. Louis area.

The filing marks an escalation in the ongoing exchange between the two sides, after failing to reach an agreement to end a strike that has now lasted three months.

The union has been pressuring the aircraft manufacturer to reach a contract similar to the one it reached with its Seattle-area workers last year, which included higher contributions to the retirement plan.

The workers went on strike on August 4 after rejecting a second offer from Boeing. They also rejected another proposal that included a 24% across-the-board pay increase over five years and a $4,000 ratification bonus.

However, 90% of the members voted in favor of a four-year contract proposal put forward by the union, which Boeing refused to consider.

“Boeing has summarily rejected multiple union proposals without presenting counteroffers that address its members' concerns, in clear violation of its legal duty to bargain in good faith under the National Labor Relations Act,” the union said.

Management stated that the company will not significantly increase its offer, but will expand its plans to replace striking employees with new hires through the end of the year.

The move has drawn criticism from some senators, including Ed Markey of Massachusetts and Josh Hawley of Missouri, who, along with Bernie Sanders, harshly criticized Boeing's stance in the negotiations during a committee hearing earlier this month.