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INSIGHT Washington, D.C., USA The federal government stepped into the middle of a contract showdown between Boeing Co. and its largest union Thursday and likely delayed a strike that could have begun next week. Mediators urged the aircraft giant and the International Association of Machinists to resume talks Tuesday in Washington, D.C. "I am also requesting that both parties agree to a 30-day extension of the current labor agreement and that during this time, neither party engage in a strike, lockout or last offer implementation," wrote Peter Hurtgen, director of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service. The union quickly accepted the offer even as its 25,000 members voted on Boeing's "last, best and final" contract offer. A second ballot issue asked members to reauthorize a strike once the contract expires on Labor Day. The ballots will not be counted. Instead, the union will seal the votes and withhold results during this latest attempt at mediation. The union will report to work on Tuesday. As developments unfolded Thursday, a flurry of conflicting statements and information left Boeing workers in Spokane wondering. "Confused? Yeah, I'd say so," said Craig McClure, the IAM's business agent in Spokane. He said most of the union's 292 eligible voters cast a ballot Thursday, which will remain in boxes double wrapped with tape and locked in a closet until union leaders decide otherwise. Boeing criticized the mediation attempt and reaffirmed its offer. "While we respect the role of the federal government, we are disappointed," Boeing said. "We believe this move undermines the integrity of the collective bargaining process and denies IAM- represented employees the right to exercise their vote." The company added: "Our position on the current offer remains unchanged; it is fair, it is competitive, and it allows us to better support our customers. "This process should proceed in an open manner that respects the right of every voting employee." While union solidarity is expected to hold on rejecting the contract, employees are less enthused about striking - which requires a two-thirds majority. The biggest issue for the union is job security. The union wants employment levels tied to airplane production as leverage against Boeing's growing practice of shifting jobs overseas. Union member Craig Copher of Spokane called it job protection and traveler safety: "Buying a car made by underpaid workers in a foreign country is one thing. Cars break down and it's not that big a deal. "But to have an airplane built by people that are paid 50 cents and a bowl of rice is something else. In an airplane accident there can't be breakdowns. That first step is a killer." Boeing and the union are engaged in a high-stakes business risk. The aerospace industry is riding out a difficult economy exacerbated by the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11. Machinists say they hope to avoid a strike, nervous about any move that could erode employment. Within the past year Boeing has cut about 30,000 workers from its commercial airplane unit amid dwindling airplane deliveries and new orders. Many analysts say Boeing can better afford a strike, though not one that stretches for many months. U.S. Rep. George Nethercutt urged Boeing to continue negotiations and back off its last proposal. He said the mediation was made in good faith to avert what he said would be a severely disruptive strike. "Boeing's refusal to consider this request is unfortunate, and I encourage a reconsideration by both sides of what constitutes a best and final offer." Nethercutt has been upset with Boeing's actions during the past year, including the company's decision to sell the Spokane plant. He warned company executives in January that closing the Spokane plant was unacceptable. Boeing later dropped closure as an option and is now courting bidders.
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Source: Spokesman Review
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