Boeing workers' strike continues

By Norm Dixon On November 22, after 47 days on strike, 61% of striking Boeing workers in the United States voted to continue a strike that has virtually closed down the world's largest manufacturer of passenger jets. Workers rejected Boeing latest offer despite union officials' recommendation to accept it. The strike began on October 6, when Boeing's 32,000 workers rejected management's attempt to attack their medical benefits, and its refusal to guarantee workers' job security or consider adequate wage increases. The vote coincided with Boeing chairman Frank Shrontz and other top company executives granting themselves about $2.5 million in stock option incentives. This was not lost on striking workers who chanted, "It's our turn now". The corporation announced that its earnings were up 22% in the third quarter of 1995 to $225 million. Boeing has slashed its work force from 166,000 in 1989 to 105,000. The company has contracted out work to non-union factories in the US and overseas to maximise its profits. More than 7000 workers held a spirited demonstration in Seattle on November 12 organised by District 751, International Association of Machinists (IAM), the Washington State Labor Council, the King, Pierce and Snohomish labor councils, and Washington State Jobs with Justice. Other unions, community and church groups also supported the rally. The strikers were addressed by newly-elected president of the AFL-CIO John Sweeney who said, "We are ready to help in every way to expand your struggle to the national and world community". IAM President George Kourpias denounced the "industrial warfare" being waged against workers everywhere by "a global capitalism that knows no national, ethical or moral boundaries ... [and] that pit worker against worker". Boeing seems to have decided to make a stand on behalf of all other employers in the $25 billion aerospace industry. About 33% of the IAM's membership are aerospace workers and the Boeing contract has traditional been seen as the pace setter in pay and conditions. The Boeing workers' website is: http://www.igc.apc.org/jwj-boeing.