Boeing has made the decision to replace its private force of firefighters who safeguard its aircraft-manufacturing plants in the Seattle area. 

Boeing Locked Out Firefighters

This action was taken after the recent negotiations with the firefighters' union did not result in an agreement on wages.

The company announced on Saturday that approximately 125 firefighters were locked out, along with a facility located about 170 miles (275 kilometers) away in central Washington. 

Manila Times reported that the firefighters are the first to arrive at fires and medical emergencies, and they can request assistance from nearby fire departments.

The International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) union released a statement on Saturday, expressing their concern over Boeing's lockout. 

According to the union, the lockout is seen as an attempt to pressure and manipulate the firefighters into accepting a contract that they believe does not adequately recognize their contributions.

"Prioritizing profits over the well-being of workers, Boeing has chosen to exclude our members, resulting in unnecessary risks to the safety of the Washington facilities," said Edward Kelly, the IAFF's general president.

Boeing emphasized that the lockout will not affect its operations.

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Boeing Firefighters Seek Fair Compensation

The starting salary for Boeing's firefighters is $25 per hour, equivalent to an annual income of $52,000. 

According to the latest update, Boeing has proposed an improved pay structure and a fresh compensation plan for firefighters working on a 24-hour shift schedule. 

This new plan is expected to raise the average wage by $21,000 annually. Boeing's firefighters work a demanding 24-hour shift and are compensated for their dedication. 

However, there is a discrepancy in their pay, as they are currently only receiving payment for 20 hours of work. Additionally, they are only being given $50 for the additional four hours they put in.

This issue deserves attention and resolution. Last year, the company reported that its firefighters received an average salary of $91,000. The union claims that Boeing has significantly reduced insurance costs by having its own on-site firefighters. 

As a result, they are requesting salary increases ranging from 40-50 percent.  According to Forbes, the union pointed out that despite Boeing's proposed pay increase, crews would still be earning significantly less than firefighters in the cities where Boeing plants are located.

The union asserts that the salary does not align with that of local fire departments, and highlights the financial challenges faced by its members due to the high cost of living near Boeing's plants. 

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