Union Calls on Boeing’s New CEO to Step Up Amid West Coast Worker Strike

Boeing’s largest union urged the company’s newly appointed CEO, Kelly Ortberg, to play a more active role in resolving a labor dispute that has led to a strike involving approximately 33,000 workers on the U.S. West Coast. The request comes after Boeing cut healthcare benefits for the striking employees.

Ortberg, previously the CEO of Rockwell Collins, assumed leadership of Boeing in August. His tenure has been marked by several significant challenges, including a strike that has disrupted production of the company’s popular 737 MAX aircraft. Boeing has not commented on the situation.

Brian Bryant, president of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), emphasized the importance of Ortberg’s involvement. He noted that key decisions were being mishandled by company officials, suggesting the CEO should personally intervene to facilitate progress in contract negotiations. Bryant also criticized Boeing’s decision to end healthcare benefits, arguing that more time could have been granted to continue discussions.

Negotiations between Boeing and the IAM’s District 751 broke down last week, and it remains uncertain when talks will resume. The strike, which began on September 13, has halted the production of three commercial aircraft models, exacerbating Boeing’s financial difficulties.

The union is pushing for a 40% wage increase and the reinstatement of a pension plan that was removed from contracts a decade ago. In response, Boeing presented an improved offer last week, proposing a 30% wage increase over four years and the return of a performance-based bonus. However, union members surveyed found the offer insufficient.

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