33,000 Boeing Employees Prepare for Strike

Strikes to Begin Friday

Roughly 33,000 union members from Boeing's South Carolina plant are ready to strike starting early Friday. Negotiations have been ongoing since May to reach an agreement on a new work contract, but both sides have failed to come to an understanding.

Members Demand Higher Wages

The major sticking point is wages. Union members are seeking an 11% pay increase over three years, while Boeing is offering 5%. The company says it needs to keep its labor costs down to compete with international rivals.

Negotiations at a Standstill

Negotiations between the two sides have been at a standstill for weeks. A federal mediator was brought in to facilitate talks, but no progress was made. The union has authorized a strike, and members are set to walk off the job at 12:01 a.m. Friday.

Boeing Prepares for Impact

Boeing is preparing for the potential impact of a strike. The company has contingency plans in place to minimize disruptions to production. However, a prolonged strike could have a significant impact on Boeing's operations.

Strike Could Hurt Boeing's Production

A strike would likely lead to production delays and could cost Boeing millions of dollars in revenue. The company is already facing pressure from Airbus, its main competitor, and a strike would only make things worse.