Boeing Workers Walk Out in First Major Strike in 15 Years

Thousands of Boeing Machinists Union Members Walk Out Over Contract

Union Members Demand Better Wages, Benefits, and Improved Working Conditions

On Monday, thousands of Boeing machinists walked off the job in the first major strike by the union since 2008. The strike, which began at 6 a.m. local time, involves more than 25,000 workers at 10 Boeing facilities in Washington state, Oregon, and South Carolina.

The union, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), represents about 30,000 workers at Boeing. The union and Boeing have been negotiating a new contract for months, but talks have stalled over wages, benefits, and working conditions.

The IAM is demanding a 10% wage increase over three years, as well as improved health care benefits and retirement plans. The union also wants Boeing to address concerns about outsourcing and mandatory overtime.

Boeing has offered a 7% wage increase over three years, as well as improved health care benefits but has refused to meet the union's demands on outsourcing and overtime.

The strike is the first at Boeing since 2008, when workers went on strike for 58 days over similar issues. The strike is likely to have a significant impact on Boeing's production plans. The company has already said it would have to cut production of its 737 and 777 aircraft.

The strike is also a major test for the IAM, which has been under pressure to take a more aggressive stance against Boeing. The union has been criticized in recent years for being too willing to accept concessions from the company.

The strike is expected to last for several weeks. It is unclear how long it will take for the union and Boeing to reach a new contract.