Boeing Union Agrees to Delay Strike

Union leaders face pressure of a different sort, because some members are clamoring for a strike.

At a raucous meeting where several hundred workers gathered late Wednesday night to hear the results of the vote, some were angry that a walkout would not begin immediately.

IAM chief negotiator Mark Blondin said he had been contacted by Gregoire and mediators, who told him that Boeing wanted to return to the table. Many of the workers balked, but Blondin told the rank and file that Boeing has "48 hours to bring a deal that's acceptable to you."

Subsequently, communications representative Connie Kelliher took a turn at calming the crowd. "It's 48 hours," she said. "The issues are the same. We would not be responsible as leaders if we did not go back to the bargaining table and listen to what the company has to say. If nothing changes, the strike is on."

Just a few hours later, in an email message to members, IAM District 751 President Tom Wroblewski said the next two days represent "one last chance for Boeing to bring us an exceptional contract offer. We will not sell you out. If Boeing does not produce the offer you expect, the strike is still on."

Key issues remain salary, benefits and outsourcing. The company's last offer was an 11% raise, while the IAM sought 13%. The union also wants to limit future outsourcing at a company that already sends about 70% of its aircraft manufacturing outside the company.