Boeing will begin hiring and training replacements for some number of the 3,200 workers on strike at three plants in Missouri and Illinois since August 4. The decision was announced by internal message on the one-month anniversary of the start of the walkout.
The message indicated that available jobs have been posted, and a job fair is planned later this month. After hiring, the new employees will face the same training and certifications required of all Boeing Defense workers, according to the same message.
Workers represented by International Assn. of Machinists union at the Boeing Defense plants in in St. Louis and St. Charles, Mo., and Mascoutah, Ill., assemble fighter aircraft, including the F-15 and F/A-18, plus other missile and defense systems.
The IAM is the same union that engaged in a seven-week strike against Boeing Commercial Airplane operations in Washington and Oregon, in September and October 2 permanent replacement workers for manufacturing roles to ensure we’re properly staffed 024.
In the current strike, Boeing and the IAM resumed negotiating on August 25, but no progress toward resolution has been indicated by either side.
IAM International president Brian Bryant stated: "Boeing is doubling down on its mismanagement by saying it plans to hire replacement workers to build military aircraft and equipment, instead of negotiating with their dedicated, generational and skilled workforce."
In a message published by Bloomberg News, Boeing Defense vice president Dan Gillian explained: “Unfortunately, the union continues to demand more of everything while also saying it has no control over what it will take to end the strike, driving the parties further apart. As a result, we’re taking the next step in our contingency plan and hiring permanent replacement workers for manufacturing roles to ensure we’re properly staffed to keep supporting our customers.”
The company has not indicated how many positions it will fill with replacement workers.
Non-union employees have been assigned to production, flight testing, and other functions since the start of the strike.
The strike at Boeing Defense began last month following the workers rejection of Boeing's proposal for a 20% wage increase, a $5,000 ratification bonus, more vacation and sick leave, and a path to higher wages.
