The machinist?s union, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, at Boeing Company began voting today on whether or not to accept the latest contract, and if not, whether or not to strike. The newest contract offers an 11% raise and an improved pension package, but asks union members to pay for a higher percentage of their health care. The union is pushing for a 13% raise, and has not appeared willing to pay higher health care prices. If a strike is authorized, which requires 2/3 of voters to reject the contract and vote to strike, it is scheduled to begin at 3:01 am Thursday. In the midst of all this, Boeing is desperately trying to finish its new 787, the Dreamliner, already over a year late.
See "Boeing Machinists voting on whether to strike", Micheline Maynard, The New York Times, September 2, 2008