Workers emerge victorious from Boeing strike

On Nov. 1, by a vote of 74 percent of the membership, 27,500 Boeing workers ended their 57-day strike.

Boeing workers in the picket line

Workers effectively shut down one of the largest U.S. corporations and a pillar of the military-industrial complex. Strikers took a big bite out of Boeing’s profits, costing the company over $1 billion in just the first month of the strike, and almost 40 percent of its third-quarter profits.

Recent contracts had allowed for massive outsourcing of work previously done by the Boeing workers, who are represented by the International Association of Machinists. This time, however, workers fought to hold the line against corporate greed.

According to MSNBC, Boeing made a record $4 billion in profits last year, and had upwards of $300 billion of commercial plane orders on its books. Nevertheless, Boeing sought to revive a number of anti-worker wage and benefit provisions from the 2005 contract.

But workers were able to push back Boeing’s offensive. The company guaranteed several thousand jobs that were previously set to be outsourced—the core issue at stake. Health care concessions demanded by Boeing were dropped. Union workers also obtained the right to bid on outsourced work; however, there is no guarantee they will get those jobs.

Workers additionally secured 11 percent wage increases over three years with an extra 4 percent in the fourth year, and those on minimum wage received a $2.28 raise. The new contract provides a 16 percent pension increase and a bonus of $5,000, with additional bonuses scheduled for 2009 and 2010.

Many union militants sought to extend the strike and win further gains. Though this did not happen, the contract is still a victory for organized labor and workers in general.

After numerous losses in the manufacturing sector that have severely eroded workers’ standard of living, labor often finds itself making concessions to avert the threat of losing everything. In the present climate of economic decline and labor setbacks—especially in industries prone to outsourcing—it is significant that Boeing workers not only held on to what they had but also scored new gains. They set a strong example for workers under attack: Through organization and resilience, it is possible for labor to score gains.

With the economy continuing to go south, further attacks on workers wages and benefits will undoubtedly materialize. Militancy, perseverance and organization will be needed if labor is to withstand the coming offensive.