Boeing Reaffirms Best and Final Offer

Boeing today issued the following statement in response to a request by the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service regarding today's vote on a new contract by members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers union:

"Boeing today received a request - not an order - from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service asking the company to resume negotiations next week with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. While we respect the role of the federal government, we are disappointed that the union has decided to seek intervention by the FMCS into a private labor matter at this critical juncture. The federal mediator was present during the final 13 days of negotiations. We believe this move undermines the integrity of the collective bargaining process and denies IAM-represented employees the right to exercise their vote. 

"Entering these talks, both parties agreed to a schedule and process to reach a final offer that would be presented to IAM-represented employees for a ratification vote on Aug. 29. We have respected that agreement and presented our best and final offer to the union following the conclusion of good faith bargaining on Aug. 27. We believe that IAM-represented employees should have the opportunity to vote on the contract offer. Our position on the current offer remains unchanged; 

it is fair, it is competitive, and it allows us to better support our customers. This process should proceed in an open manner that respects the right of every voting employee.

"Preparation for these negotiations began nearly a year ago and included numerous meetings with union leadership and the union's negotiating team. The teams spent months negotiating in good faith. At the end of the scheduled talks, both sides had presented their final proposals and the process was ready to move to a vote. There is nothing left to negotiate.

"The Boeing negotiating team has done everything possible and within reason to craft an offer that is fair, competitive and respectful of the concerns of our IAM-represented employees. "