33,000 Boeing factory workers walked off the job Friday, demanding higher wages and for the company to restore pensions. Most are based here in the Pacific Northwest. 

The overall labor landscape in the U.S. has changed significantly since the last machinists strike 2008 – nationally, union membership remains at historically low levels, but work stoppages have increased in recent years and the number of striking workers skyrocketed in 2023.The UAW strike late last year won historic concessions for auto workers across the country. 

Guests:

Richard Aboulafia, managing director of AeroDynamic Advisory

Rebecca Givan, Associate Professor of Labor Studies and Employment Relations at Rutgers University

Relevant Links:

Seattle Times: Boeing Machinists reject contract as 96% vote to strike

AP: Boeing machinists vote to strike after rejecting pay increases of 25% over 4 years

New York Times: Boeing’s Strike Halts Airplane Production at Key Plants