The 33,000 workers with the Machinists Union have now rejected a second tentative agreement with the corporate behemoth, Boeing. Throughout the strike, the company has tried to lowball the workers in terms of wages and benefits; has threatened to, and ultimately did, end the striking workers’ healthcare coverage in an effort to force them back to work; and has refused to reinstate their defined pension plans. The workers voted 64% to stay on the picket lines and will continue their struggle against Boeing’s corporate greed.

“This is workplace democracy — and also clear evidence that there are consequences when a company mistreats its workers year after year,” the Machinist Union said. Workers are still trying to make up ground and recover from ten years without adequate wage increases, the elimination of defined pension plans, lousy overtime rules, and the threats of moving their jobs to non-union plants. The workers have no other choice but to stand their ground and defend their jobs.

It’s clear that the workers are making their impact felt. Just this week, Boeing reported a loss of $6 billion in their third quarter, bringing total losses for the year to $8 billion. The monopoly corporation has also had to pause its massive, anti-democratic lobbying efforts, which is significant in its own right. In the last 25 years, Boeing has been the third-largest corporate donor to elected officials. Their donations are like legalized bribery; they ensure state and federal policy is conducive to raking in maximum profits.

We salute the workers and stand in solidarity with them as they continue their just fight against corporate greed. We call on our party districts and clubs to continue and elevate their support for the Machinists, rejoin the picket lines, and keep the pressure on. We call on our members and allies to continue standing in solidarity with the workers until a fair contract is reached.

Image: Fred Barr / CPUSA

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