Boeing machinists rally against 'corporate greed'
SEATTLE - At a rally for the striking Boeing machinists on Thursday, there was enthusiasm over a new agreement to head back into negotiations with a federal mediator.
But after 34 days on the picket line, the striking workers say they're ready for another 34, if that's what it takes to get what they want.
And the machinists also got plenty of support from other unions. Joining the machinists were pilots, flight attendants and ramp workers from Alaska Airlines, Horizon and United.
The catch phrase union members repeated over and over during Thursday's rally was "corporate greed." They say it's ruining our country and they need to put an end to it.
Hundreds of picketers marched down East Marginal Way, rallying in support of Boeing machinists, chanting, "Union! Power! Union! Power! Union! Power!"
"You know you watch what's going on in the finance industry right now - the greed," said Jim Bearden of the International Association of Machinists. "I'll tell you what. Corporate America is doing the same thing to the working man and woman ... and it's time we don't tolerate it anymore."
In any new contract, the union wants tougher language to protect machinists' jobs. They want to force Boeing to keep jobs here, not outsource them.
And members of the pilots' union said they don't feel safe flying planes made by unknown overseas contractors.
"When I'm halfway across the Pacific Ocean I don't want the lowest bidder," said Capt. Bill Shivers, a pilot. "I want the jets made right here in Seattle, Washington."
The union has acknowledged the need for Boeing to be able to outsource, but it argues that a "vast amount" of outsourced work could be done more efficiently by its members.
Tom Wroblewski, president of IAM District 751, said, "Every day that we're out on strike it's eating into those profits and they could just as well be sharing that with us right? Right!"
Wroblewski said that Boeing Executive Vice President Tom Carson had agreed to get back to the table.
A statement issued by the Boeing Co. said there are a number of issues to resolve at the bargaining table, and any agreement must allow Boeing to remain competitive.
Earlier this week, Boeing CEO Jim Mcnerney reportedly sent a memo to all employees specifically addressing the job security and outsourcing issue. In it, he said Boeing cannot sacrifice its long term competitveness to end the walkout.
The goal is to get both sides talking with the mediator by the end of the weekend.
Meanwhile, the strike goes on.
The previous machinists' strike in 2005 lasted 28 days. The one before that, in 1995, lasted 69 days. The longest strike for the machinists was back in 1948. It lasted 140 days.
The International Association of Machinists, which represents about 27,000 workers in Washington, Oregon and Kansas, walked out Sept. 6 after rejecting a contract offer over concerns about job security, pay, health care and retirement benefits.
The electricians, mechanics, painters and other hourly workers represented by the union assemble Boeing commercial jets.
But after 34 days on the picket line, the striking workers say they're ready for another 34, if that's what it takes to get what they want.
And the machinists also got plenty of support from other unions. Joining the machinists were pilots, flight attendants and ramp workers from Alaska Airlines, Horizon and United.
The catch phrase union members repeated over and over during Thursday's rally was "corporate greed." They say it's ruining our country and they need to put an end to it.
Hundreds of picketers marched down East Marginal Way, rallying in support of Boeing machinists, chanting, "Union! Power! Union! Power! Union! Power!"
"You know you watch what's going on in the finance industry right now - the greed," said Jim Bearden of the International Association of Machinists. "I'll tell you what. Corporate America is doing the same thing to the working man and woman ... and it's time we don't tolerate it anymore."
In any new contract, the union wants tougher language to protect machinists' jobs. They want to force Boeing to keep jobs here, not outsource them.
And members of the pilots' union said they don't feel safe flying planes made by unknown overseas contractors.
"When I'm halfway across the Pacific Ocean I don't want the lowest bidder," said Capt. Bill Shivers, a pilot. "I want the jets made right here in Seattle, Washington."
The union has acknowledged the need for Boeing to be able to outsource, but it argues that a "vast amount" of outsourced work could be done more efficiently by its members.
Tom Wroblewski, president of IAM District 751, said, "Every day that we're out on strike it's eating into those profits and they could just as well be sharing that with us right? Right!"
Wroblewski said that Boeing Executive Vice President Tom Carson had agreed to get back to the table.
A statement issued by the Boeing Co. said there are a number of issues to resolve at the bargaining table, and any agreement must allow Boeing to remain competitive.
Earlier this week, Boeing CEO Jim Mcnerney reportedly sent a memo to all employees specifically addressing the job security and outsourcing issue. In it, he said Boeing cannot sacrifice its long term competitveness to end the walkout.
The goal is to get both sides talking with the mediator by the end of the weekend.
Meanwhile, the strike goes on.
The previous machinists' strike in 2005 lasted 28 days. The one before that, in 1995, lasted 69 days. The longest strike for the machinists was back in 1948. It lasted 140 days.
The International Association of Machinists, which represents about 27,000 workers in Washington, Oregon and Kansas, walked out Sept. 6 after rejecting a contract offer over concerns about job security, pay, health care and retirement benefits.
The electricians, mechanics, painters and other hourly workers represented by the union assemble Boeing commercial jets.