Representatives of the 25,000 members of the International Association of Machinists (IAM) working at aerospace giant Boeing Co. yesterday accused the company of trying to force workers out on a strike with unreasonable demands for concessions on all major issues. Earlier this year the IAM was hopeful that the two sides could avoid a strike despite a history of confrontational relations that have led to strikes in two of the past four contract negotiations (see WIT for March 14), and reach agreements on job security, pensions and health benefits. The company has taken a seemingly hard-line approach, however, setting an August 27 deadline for making its ?best and final? offer on a contract to replace the one that expires on September 1.
See "Machinists contend Boeing wants strike", The Associated Press, Chicago Tribune, August 21, 2002