Boeing has offered striking workers a 35% pay increase over four years in a new deal, hoping to end a strike that’s been going on since mid-September.
Around 33,000 union workers, mostly in Seattle, will vote on Wednesday to decide if they will accept the company’s proposal. The strike has stopped production of important planes like the 737 MAX.
The union previously rejected a smaller pay offer, asking for a bigger raise to keep up with the cost of living. They also wanted a guaranteed retirement income, which this new offer doesn’t include, although it does offer bonuses and better retirement contributions.
This strike has hurt Boeing’s business so much that they now need $35 billion in extra funding and plan to lay off 17,000 workers by November.
The US government is pushing for a quick solution, as Boeing is vital to the country’s economy. Meanwhile, the company is also under investigation for safety issues after a defect caused an accident on one of its planes earlier this year.
Credit goes to BBC for this information in several parts of this explanation.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn8j07jp0y9o