In an interesting turn of events, the contract with Boeing and the Machinists Union has been ratified even though 55% of the folks voted down the contract. But for the contract to be rejected required a minimum of 66% reaffirming a strike authorization vote taken last July. Only 62% voted to reaffirm a strike so the contract is automatically accepted.
There are parts of the new contract I do not like but I can live with it. In a few weeks I will receive an 8% ratification bonus and for me that means a new computer and for my wife she gets her Chevy Malibu.
The final tally as reported by the union website, 62% rejected the contract and 61% voted to reaffirm the strike authorization. I had an email from a supervisor from work this morning and he has to go in today and make preparations for Monday. He said the company expects many folks are going to be angry when they show up for work on Monday and they are going to get training on how to deal with it.
You’re lucky. IANA Boeing worker, but I firmly believe that Boeing would have used the strike as a reason to close the PNW shops, and move them elsewhere (never mind how stupid and shortsighted that would be on corporate’s part), or brought in scabs (and don’t give me that ‘scabs = unqualified workers’ crap - there are MANY unemployed Boeing people who would probably jump at the chance to return to work - the economy SUCKS up here now). So count your blessings. I wish I worked in an industry where I could get a big bonus for NOT going on strike.
