Union Negotiations Pick Up Following News Of Third-Quarter Boeing Profits

As corporate executives announced $1 billion in quarterly profits to Wall Street, Boeing negotiators on Wednesayd Oct. 24 showed signs the company’s continued success, coupled with the overwhelming rejection of the original offer, is making movement possible, said representatives of the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA).

Wednesday's negotiations were reportedly marked by a new spirit of collaborative problem solving. The cooperation was an improvement over the “cordial” talks earlier this month.

The Boeing Company and the union exchanged proposals on medical and pension issues this week.

“We had a good, productive discussion,” said Tom McCarty, SPEEA president and Professional Negotiation Team member. “Members’ activism and demonstrations of support are making a difference.”

Boeing’s announcement exceeded analysts’ expectations for the fifth consecutive quarter. . The order backlog exceeds 4,100 aircraft.

SPEEA Professional Team member John McLaren listened to the Boeing earnings report before the negotiation session.

“I was pleased to hear the Boeing pension is so well funded the company does not need to make any contributions for the next year,” said McLaren.

After pressing Boeing to accelerate negotiation sessions last week, the union teams spent the first part of this week preparing for the three days of scheduled talks. Members around the bargaining units are showing their support with red shirts, visibility walks and attending information meetings.

"Using every available strategy, our negotiating teams are confident we will achieve your goals in these negotiations," SPEEA representatives wrote in an email encouraging its members to keep up their bargaining support efforts.