Over 30,000 Boeing workers in Seattle and Portland have launched a strike after overwhelmingly rejecting a proposed deal from the plane manufacturer. The offer, which included a 25% pay rise, was turned down by nearly 95% of the union members, who voted in favor of industrial action until a new agreement is reached.
The striking workers, responsible for producing key Boeing models like the 737 MAX and 777, have halted production, creating significant operational disruptions. In the vote, 96% of the union members supported strike action, intensifying pressure on Boeing to renegotiate terms.
This strike presents a significant challenge for Boeing’s new CEO, Kelly Ortberg, who took charge just last month with a mandate to revitalize the company. The disruption comes at a crucial time as Boeing faces heightened scrutiny and operational hurdles, further complicating Ortberg’s efforts to steer the business back on track.