Boeing announced that it plans to implement a lockout of its union firefighters at various facilities throughout the state if a contract is not approved by Saturday.

Around 125 firefighters employed by Boeing, who are represented by the International Association of Fire Fighters Local I-66, are currently engaged in contract negotiations with the company, according to AP News.

Boeing Firefighters Face Lockout

Two contract offers have been rejected by union members. Without reaching an agreement, firefighters have indicated that they were prepared to initiate a strike as early as May 13.

The local union representing firefighters at Boeing facilities in Everett, Seattle, Renton, Auburn, and Moses Lake is currently pursuing an agreement that encompasses fair compensation and improved staffing levels.

According to union officials, approximately 40 firefighters are employed at Boeing's aircraft assembly plant at Paine Field. Boeing alleges that Local I-66 is engaging in unfair negotiations.

Everett Daily Herald said Boeing has informed union members about its lockout plans on Tuesday afternoon, following a day of picketing by dozens of individuals outside the company's facilities in Everett and Renton.

Nevertheless, the company expressed its desire to come to an agreement with the union and will persist in negotiating with sincerity.

According to Dean Shelton, vice-president of the Washington State Council of Fire Fighters, discussions came to a halt after Monday.

Shelton stated on Wednesday that Boeing is standing firm, claiming that this was their ultimate proposal. Shelton, on the other hand, alleged that the company was not negotiating sincerely.

According to a statement from Local I-66 president Casey Yeager, as of Wednesday morning, there have been no new talks scheduled between Boeing and the union before the midnight Saturday deadline.

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Boeing Labor Dispute

The labor dispute arises amidst Boeing's significant financial losses, totaling over $24 billion since the beginning of 2019.

Additionally, the company has faced heightened scrutiny regarding the quality and safety of its manufacturing processes, following an incident in which a door plug blew out of an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max while flying over Oregon in January.

Boeing confidently dismissed any safety concerns regarding the dispute with its industrial firefighters on Friday. The company has announced that it has made arrangements with highly qualified individuals to replace the union workers. They have assured that the lockout will not have any impact on the operations at the plants where planes are built.

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