The union representing striking Boeing employees announced on Friday that negotiations with the airline “broke off” without a deal, following the departure of some 33,000 US workers this month.
After decisively rejecting a contract offer, workers in the Pacific Northwest region went on strike on September 13, effectively closing the 737 MAX and 777 manufacturing factories.
“Talks broke off, and we have no further dates scheduled at this time. We remain open to talks with the company, either direct or mediated,” the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) said on its website.
Boeing said it was prepared to meet again with the union.
“We remain committed to resetting our relationship with our represented employees and negotiating in good faith, and want to reach an agreement as soon as possible,” the company said in a statement.
Boeing revealed its “best and final offer” on Monday in an attempt to satisfy demands, which included restoring an annual bonus and raising the pay of striking employees by 30%.
Striking employees had until Friday at the end of the day to approve the agreement, but the IAM claimed the plan did not go far enough.
In a message sent on Friday, the union stated that it held “frank discussions” with Boeing in addition to Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) mediators.
“While conversations were direct, we did not make progress on the pension issue. The company remains adamant that it will not unfreeze the defined benefit plan,” the IAM said, citing a key issue for some workers.
It added that the company “would not engage substantively” on other issues including higher pay, quicker wage progression and more paid time off.
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