Biden Worried About Boeing Locking Out Firefighters
President Joe Biden expressed his concern on Thursday regarding Boeing locking out its firefighters and called for a swift resolution between the airplane manufacturer and the workers’ union.
Boeing took action to force 125 firefighters and first responders in Washington State off the job early Saturday morning due to a dispute over a new contract. The International Association of Fire Fighters accused Boeing of prioritizing corporate greed over safety.
In an effort to mediate the situation, Biden took to X, formerly known as Twitter, on Thursday afternoon with a message:
Collective bargaining is a right that helps employers and employees. I’m concerned by reports that Boeing locked out IAFF I-66 members. I encourage folks to return to the table to secure a deal that benefits Boeing and gets these firefighters the pay and benefits they deserve.
A lockout is a tactic initiated by employers to gain leverage in contract negotiations, resulting in a work stoppage.
The firefighters’ previous agreement with Boeing had recently expired, and despite efforts, the two sides were unable to come to an agreement on a new contract. Boeing stated that it had made two competitive offers to the union, but the IAFF argued that the proposals would leave firefighters with pay and benefits significantly lower than those of local municipal fire departments.
The union accused Boeing of using the lockout as a means of coercing firefighters into accepting a contract undervaluing their work.
This has been a challenging year for Boeing as they faced scrutiny since a door panel blew out on an Alaska Airlines 737 Max jet in January. This incident led to Congressional hearings on Boeing’s safety protocols and an audit by the Federal Aviation Administration. Boeing’s CEO, Dave Calhoun, announced his resignation effective at year-end.
Boeing responded to the situation with a statement affirming its offer of “significant pay increases and enhanced benefits” and reiterated its commitment to reaching an agreement.
President Biden has displayed a stronger inclination compared to previous administrations to involve himself in union matters at individual companies. Earlier this year, he vocalized support for Volkswagen workers trying to unionize their Tennessee plant and congratulated them publicly upon their successful election. In 2021, he delivered a speech denouncing union-busting amidst a closely monitored election at an Amazon warehouse in Alabama, positioning himself as the most pro-union president in history.
Biden’s longstanding relationship with the firefighters’ union dates back years, with the IAFF being the first major union to endorse him during his 2020 presidential campaign. The president also spoke at the union’s conference in Washington last year. As of now, the IAFF has not announced its presidential endorsement for this year.
This updated story includes comments from Boeing.
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
It’s Another Trump-Biden Showdown — And We Need Your Help
The Future Of Democracy Is At Stake
Supporting Quality Journalism
Your loyalty is invaluable to us as we strive to provide thorough coverage of this historic presidential election. Your contributions fund our hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis, and timely updates that you won’t find elsewhere. Reporting in today’s political climate is a responsibility we take seriously, and we are grateful for your support.
To continue delivering high-quality news, we rely on reader funding. If you can, please consider making a donation to support our work during this crucial time. Your contributions are essential in upholding a free press.
Our journalists are committed to navigating the complexities of this historic election. With your support, we can continue to deliver insightful investigations and analysis that uphold the values of quality journalism. Thank you for standing with us.
