Boeing Strike Day #1

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Reporter: KAKE News
Email Address: news@kake.com

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It's official.

Boeing Machinists are on the picket lines as of midnight Saturday morning. KAKE News was there as workers picked up signs and began their strike. The strike affects some 750 workers in Wichita.

The strike threatens to cost Boeing upwards of $100-million a day, according to the union. Some 27,000 machinists in Washington state, Oregon and Kansas voted down the company's contract offer by 80%, with another 87% voting to strike.

"We're going to follow through with what we said. We are here and willing to meet at any time," said Steve Rooney, a spokesman for the machinists.

Boeing officials say the contract offered to machinists is the best in the industry. There is no word when talks may resume.

"We know the issues were addressed but we couldn't get close enough to an agreement," said Forrest Gossett, a spokesman for Boeing.

The company offered workers raises over three years, plus a signing bonus and a cost-of-living increase, but union officials say issues of job security and rising health care costs could not be resolved.

"One of the big concerns is retention, and the use of special retention and no regulations for the use of special retention," said Ruth Kiker, a machinists.

Some union members said it would have actually cost them money in the end when it came to things like medical benefits.

"Basically the coverage was going to cost you a lot more money, plus you'd be paying more monthly so that makes a big difference," said Kiker.

This strike could also impact Spirit workers as well. During the 2005 Boeing strike, Spirit was put on a 3-day work week. Spirit hasn't announced it's plans yet for how they'll handle this strike.
*************

On it's website, the IAM Local 751 announced Friday that talks between the union and Boeing finally broke down. Here is the statement:

Brothers and sisters:
The strike will commence at one minute after midnight tonight. This Company disrespected the process, bargained illegally and most of all, disrespected the finest Aerospace workers anywhere on the planet by failing to meet your expectations.

Despite meeting late into the night and throughout the day, continued contract talks with the Boeing Company did not address our issues. Armed with your strong strike vote, the IAM Negotiating Committee continues to try and convince the Company to meet our members’ demands.

Your Negotiating Committee appreciates the support of all of our members during this interim time period and will appreciate your continued support as we picket the gates at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, September 6.

I want to thank the mediation service, who diligently tried to help secure a contract short of a strike to avoid hardships on our members. Unfortunately, those services did not secure an offer.

We are ON STRIKE at 12:01am tonight.

If this Company wants to talk, they have my number, they can reach me on the picket line.

In Solidarity
Tom Wroblewski
District President and
Directing Business Representative

Boeing responded shortly after with this statement:

"Over the past two days, Boeing, the union and the federal mediator worked hard in pursuing good-faith explorations of options that could lead to an agreement. Unfortunately the differences were too great to close," said Scott Carson, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

The IAM has called for a strike to begin at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 6. Boeing operations in Washington, Oregon and Kansas will remain open. Employees who are not represented by the IAM are expected to report for work as normal.

During the work stoppage, Boeing will support its customers and their airplanes in service. The company will continue delivering airplanes that were completed prior to the strike, and will continue providing customers with spare parts. Boeing does not intend to assemble airplanes during the strike.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: other side of boeing Location: wichita on Sep 16, 2008 at 09:11 PM
I can say FIRST HAND that SPIRIT is NOT in on the BOEING strike. there I capitalized all the important words for those with literacy problems. Spirit is very LARGLY dependant on boeings business, after all boeing is a spirit CUSTOMER! If this strike goes for more than 45-60 days there WILL be layoffs at spirit. Spirit does not have enought other customers to up hold all the people that work there. point blank...

Posted by: Tired of the Union Location: Wichita Area on Sep 15, 2008 at 11:14 AM
You Union guys and gals need to look at what the Union chairs got out of the HBC strike and what the average union member got...I'm out of it for good, all they did was COST ME MONEY!

Posted by: Frank Location: Formerly Wichita, Now Seattle on Sep 9, 2008 at 12:49 PM
While I feel very sorry for any inconvenience that my decision to vote to strike has caused anyone either directly or indirectly,I stand behind my decision and the reasoning behind it.I also thoroughly enjoy debating the issues, especially with the Union Haters because while I know this is a very emotional subject you make it so easy to pick on you because you choose to just lash out rather than conduct proper research before posting your responses.Thanks

Posted by: Techiechic Location: Kansas on Sep 8, 2008 at 10:49 PM
You go Frank! JJ, you need to go back to third grade and learn grammar and punctuation again apparently. Do the words "run-on sentence" mean anything to you? Oh and there isn't a spell check on this board so what you need to do is write your comment in office first, spell check it, and copy and paste it into here.

Posted by: Frank Location: Formerly Wichita, Now Seattle on Sep 8, 2008 at 04:16 PM
Oh Come Now! Are we really going to start calling McDonalds a real job? Yeah, I guess they don't exploit their workers there. Lucky if you get 20 hours per week because they don't want to pay full time benefits. "At any typical McDonald's outlet 80 people are on payroll and 80 percent of those employees are part-time staff. This means that an average work week should be 25 hours, however, many employees work much longer hours. The practice of hiring a "part-time" workforce for full-time hours allows McDonald's to cover overtime work without paying overtime wages. Workers' schedules are adjusted on a daily basis depending upon sales.The demanding work hours, erratic schedules and low pay cause much employment turnover at McDonald's. Within a month, 7 out of 10 starters drop out; old-timers have worked four months". Yeah-what was I thinking!That sounds like a fair place to work.

Posted by: LL839 Union Member Location: Spirit Wichita on Sep 8, 2008 at 04:03 PM
After reading through alot of these comments it really sickens me to hear all the local bashing of our union workforce. Where would Wichita be without Boeing? Spirit? Beech? Cessna? Learjet?It would be a ghost town. Why did I join the union? Because I am tired of being pushed around be cooperate america. I am behind you brothers and sisters!! It will be our turn in 2010! So be ready!!

Posted by: Frank Location: Formerly Wichit, Now Seattle on Sep 8, 2008 at 03:10 PM
Boeing got very creative with entry rates.For Grade 5 employee as an example:New rate would have been $16 per hour.Employee who is already employed with 1 year of service would typically be at $15.32 per hour.You would think that the 1 year employee would at least be brought up to the new minimum.Ah, but you would be wrong.The creative minds at Boeing say first you have to figure in a .37 cost of living increase(doesn't exist until December but they count it), plus any shift differential,plus the 5% wage increase.So the current employee is now making $16.07(.07 more than brand new employee)

Posted by: CHRIS Location: WICHITA on Sep 8, 2008 at 03:09 PM
MAYBE BOEING WORKERS NEED TO GET A REAL JOB, LIKE AT MCDONALDS.

Posted by: Frank Location: Formerly Wichita, Now Seattle on Sep 8, 2008 at 03:00 PM
Wrong with the Contract: 1.Boeing inserted language that sends work overseas without letting Union look at or bid on the work. 2.Boeing raised entry rates only after 16 years and it only applies to those hired after contract would have taken effect.People in the 12 step progression were not included which means that someone brand new will come in making as much as someone with 1 years of experience. 3.Machinists get 5 days of sick leave compared to the other bargaining units that have 10 days. 4. 401K-other bargaining units get matching funds of .75 while machinists get .50 5. Upon the death of an eligable employee in the Pension Plan, the surviving spouse receives a lump sum payment not greater than $36,000(typical funeral costs $10,000)additional funds in the employees Pension account revert back to the Boeing Company.

Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 8, 2008 at 12:29 PM
NOW NOW NOW, Spirit is not JOINGING in on the strike. So I don't know who told you that Mr. or Ms. M.D. Spirit is being forced to stop production on Boeing made planes because in light of the strike they have closed their doors to anything new. So don't even bring Spirit workers in on this. They are victims!

Posted by: Frank Location: Formerly Wichita, Now Seattle on Sep 8, 2008 at 12:20 PM
Funny how people forget why Boeing sold to Onex in 2005...in 2005 Wichita started balking at the $500 million in tax breaks they were giving Boeing and wanted some of that back.Suddenly Boeing wanted to get out of the parts business and sell, and didn't give a second thought to the workforce.In 2005 there were 9000 Boeing employees who started getting their notices.Your right-Corporate America is your friend.My family got 2 weeks to decide whether to take our chances in Wichita or relocate to Seattle.

Posted by: Frank Location: Formerly Wichita, Now Seattle on Sep 8, 2008 at 12:00 PM
Please don't presume that you are educated or understand the economics of outsourcing if you believe that the Unions or machinists are somehow responsible for Corporate outsourcing.You need to move back home and go back to school.And please if you are going to speak to someone's education M.D. please make sure you at least use proper spelling and punctuation.

Posted by: Proud Union member Location: wichita on Sep 8, 2008 at 11:49 AM
Why would anyone think that it's ok for the Boeing Company to KEEP your pension plan in the event of your death and leave your spouse with NOTHING after you spent 30-35 years working hard and making this company as successful as it is today. If you think this is fair then I wouldn't call you a very smart person either.

Posted by: Frank Location: Formerly Wichita, Now Seattle on Sep 8, 2008 at 11:48 AM
M.D. "grammer", is spelled grammar.What's wrong with the contract is that after the takeaways my 11% is worth $100 per year.Boeing inserted new language into the contract that does not give the Union an opportunity to even bid on the work before Boeing sends it over to France or Italy.It's all well and good to bury your head in the sand and take whatever scraps your company gives you, but don't blame me for not being a sheep and asking for what's fair.Sure lets outsource everything.Guess you're not as educated as you would like to believe.It's a good thing to volunteer-employees of Boeing have contributed $500 billion over the last 57 years through the Employees Community Fund which is owned and operated by employees and has nothing to do with Boeing itself although Boeing likes to lend it's name to it in the media.

Posted by: M.D. Location: wichita on Sep 8, 2008 at 11:08 AM
Outsource everything!!!!! I'm educated enough, unlike most union members judging by their grammer, to withstand Boeing and Spirit both shutting down. I also volunteer at a nonprofit food bank. I'll see you strikers there soon asking for handouts. Not that each payday isn't a handout to you.

Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 8, 2008 at 09:19 AM
I would personally like to know EXACTLY What is wrong with this contract. If my husband is losing work due to this strike, I feel as though we should atleast know why!

Posted by: Lizzy on Sep 8, 2008 at 08:48 AM
bunch of cry babies!! I agree 100% with the comment Ralph made on Sept 6th. The union members are a bunch of cry baby children. I WANT I WANT I WANT. Grow up already & go to work without complaining like everyone else in the world!! Your machinist's---not royalty!

Posted by: Jake Location: Wichita on Sep 8, 2008 at 07:32 AM
With the economy the way it is, and aircraft workers being what they are, Boeing will not have to wait too long for this strike to be over... Wonder how many of you are going to lose your brand new campers, and your brand new automobiles, or your brand new boats or the house you really could not afford (but had to have) to begin with? You live off overtime like it lasts forever, you live paycheck to paycheck to keep up with the "Joneses" and then something like occurs and you have nothing to except 1 last paycheck and $100/week to hold you over. Try and get a job, you will be over qualified, no one will have you! You will not qualify for unemployment, you walked off a perfectly good job with good pay and benefits VOLUNTARILY. Get on wellfare, you will be despised for being a drain on society. Go ahead and fight the good fight and watch your jobs head to Mexico, or China or even Bangalore.

Posted by: Hard worker Location: wichita on Sep 8, 2008 at 05:08 AM
Unions are road blocks that show down an American worker

Posted by: union member Location: salina on Sep 8, 2008 at 03:31 AM
I was hoping that you would have learned from the hbc strike this union sucks we didnt get squat! all we did is lose money i wish better for you guys good luck

Posted by: Hard worker Location: wichita on Sep 8, 2008 at 12:22 AM
I am a union worker and dont work at any air craft company and wouldnt work at one. I believe there is a place for a union,but most union-air craft worker abuses it they want something for nothing it is greed,I would of taken the contract. Lets try this quit working and pay for your own ins lets see how that will work.

Posted by: the carroll dean Location: wichita on Sep 7, 2008 at 10:16 PM
i know everyone has needs, wants, and requirements. all of you must find your place in the midst of strikes, and act accordingly. i'm 100% i.a.m.. i'm the best in the world at what i do. i work at spirit, and we build the most exact to spec. air craft components ever seen. i expect of myself that what i do makes sure that the grand ma of my kids has the best airplane possable for her to come see them. every spirit or boeing employee does their job to make sure that the same is true for them, and 1.26 billion grand ma's that they don't know in korea, australia, or dubai. be it four seater's or 787's, or airbus. we are all the best in the world at what we do. generally no one considers our skill when an airplane brings them their mom or grand ma. it happens all the time. it is assumed. yet not considered are the 10's of thousands of highly skilled people behind what is assumed as everyday, safely delivered, grand ma. i don't like strikes, but i support the iam, and everyones grand ma !!!

Posted by: R Location: wichita on Sep 7, 2008 at 02:57 PM
To all you Union haters! Its so funny to listen to all of you cry about the union workers. It really shows how jealous you are because you DON'T HAVE and not LUCKY ENOUGH to have a union job. So shut up and go back to WalMart and gripe to everyone about this and in the back of your mind wishing you could have a job there. If you don't belong just shut your mouths. just watch what they put on TV and go to bed. WE ARE THE ONES WHO MADE THIS CITY YOU LIVE IN AND THEN COMPLAIN WHEN THIS GOES ON!!!When this is all over with, our money will support you job at Ace hardware, WalMart, McDonalds. So if it wasn't for US, YOU WOULDN'T HAVE A JOB!

Posted by: Palin Location: HBC on Sep 7, 2008 at 12:50 AM
Proud wife of HBC crosser: You have SO much to be proud of. Does your husband always have you do his talking for him. Everything WE went on strike for got resolved. What do you know about loss? your a leech. STRIKE THEM HARRRD, 751!!! Will be there with you Monday!!

Posted by: wichita Location: wichita on Sep 6, 2008 at 09:03 PM
well said BYE-BYE to your job out there ,, your out there picket and there in there talking about moving ,, that SO sad ,, over ??????? ins., money , come on think about this some ins. some $ money $ """" or NO JOB ,NO INS., and YES NO MONEY but go ahead and stay out there

Posted by: Frank Location: Formerly Wichita, Now Seattle on Sep 6, 2008 at 08:35 PM
We don't WANT the bonuses they can keep those.The job provision we want simply gives IAM employees the opportunity to bid on a job before Boeing automatically sends it over to France or Italy.Boeing took that away on this offer so we wouldn't even have a chance!

Posted by: Bryan Location: Salina on Sep 6, 2008 at 08:32 PM
The strike will still effect the city's economy because Spirit is one of several suppliers sold by Boeing in 2005. The reduction will soon affect those employees and Spirit will lose money too. I am glad for that because they felt no pain when laying off many good employees in 2005. The company Onex has just suffered a terrible blow by HBC employees and I hope Boeing employees stick to their strategy of striking like they did at HBC. The reality is that their contract was not much better. So why don't they just come to an agreement now before the economy is hurt more.

Posted by: Frank Location: Formerly Wichit, Now Seattle on Sep 6, 2008 at 08:04 PM
From Wichita Eagle 2003"But a months-long reporting project by The Wichita Eagle finds Boeing firmly positioned to expand its presence overseas -- at times to the detriment of U.S. workers -- to cut costs, win new orders for aircraft, and remain competitive in its fierce rivalry with Europe's Airbus. The Machinists union asserts that Boeing shed about 1,100 jobs in Wichita in the past two years by subcontracting work, and that some of that work ended up in other countries. The union predicts that more jobs will disappear before the current three-year labor contract expires. Boeing confirms that some work once done here is now handled overseas but maintains that any lost jobs have been more than offset by new work brought to Wichita." Except Wichita began exploring removing tax breaks for Boeing and Boeing suddenly had to sell.Hmmmm...

Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 6, 2008 at 07:38 PM
Boeing employees in more than 60 countries and operations in 26 states. Worldwide, Boeing and its subsidiaries employ more than 150,000 people with major operations in the Puget Sound area of Washington state; Southern Calif.; Wichita, Kan.; and St. Louis, Mo. Quit blaming me for what you do not have and do something about it.You want a Boeing job get one!! https://jobs.boeing.com/JobSeeker/JobSearch

Posted by: Oscar Location: Wichita on Sep 6, 2008 at 07:31 PM
Everyone needs to remember - Boeing Wichita is the small fish in the pond. 1000 employees compared to Boeing in Washington's 27,000. In Wichita, the wages are high; in Washington $25/hr is just barely a living wage. Their cost of living is much higher. Boeing is not stupid, they always throw out signing bonuses and wage increases while they try to slide in outsourcing clauses and decrease other benefits. They always watch the numbers! They know the news will publish the $$$ and turn the public against the Union. I've worked for Boeing for 25 years (now Spirit). The Union members will eventually sign when the bills pile up, but they will slow the decrease of their benefits. That's the only course we have left - to try to slow it down. If the aircraft plants close up, this town will blow away.

Posted by: Sick and Tired Location: Wichita on Sep 6, 2008 at 06:55 PM
What the public does not understand is that, if Boeing would have taken care of the fine print and left the "goodies" off it probably would have passed. No one wants to put in 30 years and then be let go because he/she is paid more than the first year employee. That is what this about, not the monies. if the companies feel they need to be more efficient, try letting go the dead weight that wont work before they get 5 years. Both the companies and the union needs to pull there head out. As for the whining public, look into what you want to argue about before you open your mouth, and you may not look like an idiot yourself. Thats part of America's Problem! WAKE UP AMERICA

Posted by: Union RIP Location: Wichita on Sep 6, 2008 at 06:19 PM
Union guys just don't understand! You want more (money, benefits, ect) yet you offer nothing more. The membership claims to be the hardest working aerospace workers in the world yet when your laid off other employers won't touch you once they learn your an ex-Boeing worker there is a REASON! You think all the "suits" keep the more for themselves and complain why your not paid like the CEO. Yet your hourly contribution on any given day consist of filing bogus grievances, some mindless task called a craft that a chimp could do, and going home to sit on your duff waiting for tomorrow. Wow! And you still wonder why you not rolling in the six figures! You guys are not dum. Your just blind sheep lead by the union sheppards that are justifying their own jobs in a day and age when unions are out date. Your union leaders have really only one interest thats keeping their own jobs. Wake up! While your only making strike pay your union leaders will still be getting their pay.

Posted by: Jake Location: Wichita on Sep 6, 2008 at 05:50 PM
Boeing workers, don't complain when no one will hire you during a strike or a layoff. We all know that once you are called back, all the time, energy and money that went into training you for the new job gets shoved up our butts without a second thought or consideration for you. The only ones feeling sorry for union around here is union. Hey Big Dog layoffees, jobs are opening up...

Posted by: Frank Location: Formerly Wichita, Now Seattle on Sep 6, 2008 at 04:38 PM
Are you serious?You sheep blame the Unions for labor going overseas?Corporate America has convinced you how bad they have it and you take whatever scraps they hand out and are scared to death to ask for what's fair and then blame me because I am willing to stand up and say enough is enough?The cost of living goes up based on the Consumer Price Index which tracks spending patterns of wage earners and consumers.Companies use the information to track how much your willing to spend for products.They raise prices and you're still buying so they continue to raise them until sales level off.When consumer gets used to inflated price over time they begin raising prices again.Quit telling me how much you want my union job and come get one!https://jobs.boeing.com/JobSeeker/JobSearch.Boeing is here, hiring strike or no strike.Seattle is calling!JJ I have Bachelors and working on Masters while working full time and raising 3 kids on 11.32 per hour.What do you have?

Posted by: Proud Wife of HBC Crosser on Sep 6, 2008 at 03:50 PM
Hawker's strike really lit the fire under your feet didn't it?! How crazy!! You should have learned by seeing what the union got out of that deal. Not a DARN THING! They didn't really make a dent in the former contract but yet they made IDIOTS of themselves and lost a fellow union member. You want to follow in their foot steps???? REAL SMART!!! I wouldn't be so proud to be union!!

Posted by: br Location: wichita on Sep 6, 2008 at 03:32 PM
I am actually a union supporter, but I have to say, I bet airbus is loving this...here is their chance... Sorry for all the Spirit folks and countless others who will be screwed by this with no chance to gain anything...

Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 6, 2008 at 03:14 PM
Fire Them And Get People That Need And want a Job like That.I'm sure There are People That would take what Their Getting In a Heartbeat

Posted by: Pro Union Location: Air Capital on Sep 6, 2008 at 12:41 PM
Seattle,Washington is a right to work state. They carried the vote. Have any of you Union haters or Moron callers ever lived in Washington State(cost of living)? Ever been laid off and not found work because you worked at Boeing? Or lost your job because the Boeing company sold your division to a foreign country? Worked at three different aircraft companies? Been in a Union and actually participated?Ever been raised by a single parent that worked at Boeing? I,have. Employees vote in Unions because of unscrupulous employers. Unions aren't perfect ether but we've got to have them. God bless Mom and Dad (stepfather) may they rest in peace. Both had over 30 yrs. each at Boeing. Both Pro Union. Next time you get in an Boeing aircraft remember who built them. Definitely not morons.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Wichita, KS on Sep 6, 2008 at 12:37 PM
It is so frustrating to hear these aircraft workers complain about job security and raises and health insurance when it affects everyone regardless of industry. Everyone deals with the same issues but the difference is that we don't get to stop working and whine on the side of the road. We would be fired. If you don't like the job or the pay, FIND A NEW JOB!

Posted by: I'll take your job!!!! Location: wichita on Sep 6, 2008 at 12:27 PM
I wish i never herd of the boeing strikes again they think they get more money but their not do to all the time off striking i will take their job if they continue to strike,good things never last,work and save dummies

Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 6, 2008 at 11:12 AM
This strike does not just effect 750 Boeing works. It also effects Spirit employees. Lowering the work week down to just three days a week. For some families it will be a struggle to make ends meet.

Posted by: antiunion Location: wichita on Sep 6, 2008 at 10:46 AM
when will you union idiots realize it's because you being so damn greedy is why the biggest part of cost of living goes up. and it is just being greedy when you are already paid higher than any other aircraft plant

Posted by: JJ Location: Wichita on Sep 6, 2008 at 10:30 AM
THE ONLY PLACE WHERE YOU CAN BE UNEDUCATED GET PAID GREAT MONEY AND STILL COMPLAIN THAT THE CEO MAKES MORE THAN YOU SHUT UP PUPPET. HOW DOES IT FILL TO BE A PUPPET. UNIONS ARE LOSERS THAT THINKS SOMEONE OWES THEM SOMETHING IF BOEING HAD ANY GUTS IT WOULD FIRE YOU TODAY. AND THEN YOU WOULD BE CRYING ON THE NEWS ABOUT HOW AFTER SO MANY YEARS YOU GOT LAID OFF. UNIONS MEMBERS GET PAID NOT FOR HOW HARD THEY WORK BUT FOR HOW LONG THERE EMPLOYED 90% OF YOU ARE BUMPS ON A LOG ANYWAY THATS RIGHT YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE PUPPET

Posted by: head Location: franklin, ohio on Sep 6, 2008 at 08:31 AM
when will you anti-union idiots realize that it is bacause of unions that you get paid 1 1/2 over 40 hours, holiday pay, sick pay, vacation, pay, retirement/401k, have a safe working environment and so-on. if you are looking for someone to blame for the demise of the good paying jobs in america look at the CEOs. in the 1960/70s the average CEO made 10 times that of the average hourly worker. now the same CEO is making 100 times that of the same hourly worker. yes the union worker is making more money but he/she is also worker harder, with one person doing what 3-4 people use to do. in the mean time the CEOs have nore advisors to help them do there job. they are also enjoying there country club memberships, company cars/chauffers, private jets, multi-million dollar office complexes, stock options etc all at the expense of the hard working american men and women who are just trying to provided a comfortable living for there families.

Posted by: 819 Location: plant 4 on Sep 6, 2008 at 06:47 AM
one day longer that is all it takes .I will be out there (beech worker)

Posted by: Ralph Location: I don't know on Sep 6, 2008 at 05:55 AM
Why do you people still go out to Walmart. They don't have hardly any American made products. And I know you wouldn't go out to Best Buy and buy one of those cleap Japenese or Korean Tv's. So boycott these stores UNION members.

Posted by: Ralph Location: Over here on Sep 6, 2008 at 05:29 AM
This reminds me of a little kid who wants something in a store and the parent says no.So the little kid starts crying and hollering and finally the parent gives in.

Posted by: Ralph Location: Anywhere but here on Sep 6, 2008 at 05:20 AM
Yeah HBC you really showed them Froze your 9.32 increase in ins.but lost a month of work.

Posted by: Tom Location: picket line on Sep 6, 2008 at 02:14 AM
Hmmm, pay increases over 3 years, signing bonuses and we still are striking? Must not be a money issue, huh? Boeing always pushes money up front then stabs you in the back. Ah, yes, it's in the fine print. You non-union folks don't know how lucky you are...no union dues, no representation, low wages, minimal at best benefits. Sure glad I have union!

Posted by: the spirit of life Location: across the street on Sep 6, 2008 at 01:49 AM
Someone please tell me why the "big wigs" are worth multi million dollar salaries while the poeple that actually make the company, machinists, should only get a measly 40K. Sure 40K is more than alot, not most by any means, make. The aircraft industry is a muti-BILLION dollar industry that the suits get a LARGE chunk of, why should the men and women that build the planes have their share of wealth? We give our weekends and pull 10 hour shifts on quite the regular basis. Set the way for 2010 union brothers and sisters!! SET THE WAY!

Posted by: Techiechic Location: Kansas on Sep 6, 2008 at 12:35 AM
Stay strong brothers and sisters! People on the outside just don't know. It's our time, this time! Don't let them take more away. And for leslie and KC and other hate posters.....if the union gives in now where will it end? It won't and they'd be making $8 an hour before too long and the corporate suits will only stand to gain from that. Fair is fair, pay our workers what they are worth! If you are not a machinist then just keep your opinions to yourself! If you are a machinist and not in support of these hard working men and women, then shame on you!

Posted by: leslie Location: home on Sep 5, 2008 at 10:46 PM
for HJR well then if your making so much more why are you crying about what you not getting and be happy about what you are getting. for frank whether its $15. or $27. your still making more than most people I know plus all those benefits dont you (educated or Skilled)people know that most people i know dont care about that because its all going to be gone in a few years any way, but thats alright you smart people already knew this right. anonamous is right you machinist complain about pay and benefits but yet when you here of them outsourcing you cuss at htem then too you might be employees but your not the company you cant have it both ways you either accept the lower pay and benefits or you accept them sending wark to another company oversees make up your minds. to stike but if they outsource because of the machinst cost then how will you be able to help think of that. union buster you have no right calling the kettle black after the strike you guys had you still make alot

Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 5, 2008 at 09:52 PM
I bet the majority of you that are complaining about the strike would not turn down a job offer from boeing or any other aircraft place that offered you a job.

Posted by: Keri Location: Anywhere on Sep 5, 2008 at 08:59 PM
How long this time?!?!

Posted by: Anonymous Location: derby on Sep 5, 2008 at 08:52 PM
you know its sad when i have to worry about losing my job when i dont even work for boeing but because my company does business and if the strike last longer then a month they dont know what they are doing with us and that pisses me off so much!!! i understand fighting for what you want but come on now think about all the people you effecting!!!

Posted by: HJR Location: Spirit on Sep 5, 2008 at 08:32 PM
I used to admire people who had a union job especially since almost everything I bought for the farm was union made. So, I got myself a union job and I've not been sorry. I only feel sorry for the turkies that complain that I make sooo much more money than they do. Guess what? If I didn't make the money I do they would still be stuck at that minimum wage level. Either get an education or a skill is the only thing you can do to better yourself because these greedy CEO's aren't going to pay you anymore than they have to. If the CEO's are worth millions of dollars a year, by God I'm worth more than I'm making now. And besides, why aren't you complaining about their salaries? Too bad we live in this "right-to-get-screwed" state.

Posted by: Frank Location: Formerly Wichita, Now Seattle on Sep 5, 2008 at 08:16 PM
The dollar figure the media quotes of $27 per hour or $56000 fo the average worker is not accurate that figure came from 2 years ago. The AVERAGE worker at Boeing with 3 years of service makes $15 per hour. The figure the company likes to quote for union salaries is not just pay-it includes pay, vacation, social security, pension, any bonuses and insurance. Base pay is only $31200.

Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 5, 2008 at 07:58 PM
keep going kc we will just over look your town on our next vacations and you will really fill the pinch .....union strong and united

Posted by: The other side of the coin Location: Kansas on Sep 5, 2008 at 07:37 PM
I am a life-long machinist and work for a non-union company. I have first hand experience of outsourcing, no bonuses for production workers and low pay. Our plant manager believes that it is better to hire in inexperienced labor at $8 an hour than to give raises to retain experience. This is how it is for most factory workers especially now in this maximize profits at any cost. I among most of you would love to have the pay and benefits that Boeing employees enjoy, but wholly support them in striking. Go and fight for your fair share, and I encourage all my other machinist brothers and sisters to band together and fight for our fair share as well.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Wichita on Sep 5, 2008 at 07:27 PM
Unless the Boeing employees insurance went up $34,000 over three years their morons. Everyone ones insurance rates have went up and a lot of companies stopped paying longevity pay. The union is just a greedy monster that cannot be satisfied. Whats going to happen is Boeing is going to send more work over seas where it cost far less to produce the same product, go ahead union price yourself out of a job. 5% the first year, 3% the following two years, PLUS COLA RAISES, a signing bonus, increased pensions, where do I sign. GREEEEED. The union had good intentions back in the days where they used canaries in the mines but in these days they are a joke. I hope Boeing cuts it's losses and closes it's Wichita plant because of this, then they will have wished they weren't so greedy.

Posted by: Jake Location: Wichita on Sep 5, 2008 at 07:22 PM
Well, this might be the answer to illegal immigration... why come here to work, when the jobs will be down in Mexico before too long. You hold true to your greed though, would not want you to go against the values you are teaching your children!

Posted by: strike on Sep 5, 2008 at 07:19 PM
KC. If we were not to strike would you and all the other haters pitch in your money to help our insurance cost stay the same? Give an inch and they take a mile. Dont forget we do our part in charity work, like salvation army, and we donated alot to help the back to school program for the kids. so I see good paying employees that are putting back to the community and LOCAL ECONOMY.

Posted by: 767 Location: Wichita on Sep 5, 2008 at 07:08 PM
So unionbuster you ask what we plan on gaining, we don't plan to gain anything we just will not allow take aways from what we already have. Boeing is at the top of the aviation word for a reason, its employees and we deserve what we are paid.

Posted by: Kane Location: Wichita on Sep 5, 2008 at 07:01 PM
I blame both sides for the situation.... Both sides knew this day was coming since the last contract was signed THREE YEARS ago... but yet they waited til the last month or so to really try and get a deal worked out.... INCREDIBLY STUPID ON BOTH SIDES LEADERSHIP

Posted by: Wade Location: Peck on Sep 5, 2008 at 06:45 PM
I take back all the negative things I said about HBC workers going on strike. Boeing workers are truly the greedy ones!!

Posted by: Right To Work Location: KS on Sep 5, 2008 at 06:41 PM
Oh god. Here we go again.

Posted by: Derrick on Sep 5, 2008 at 06:40 PM
Way to go guys. Tell them you mean buisness. We were out at HBC for 30 days and I think we made pretty good progress. Do I think we could of done sure. But we showed the company that we mean buisness. I will be there to walk the picket line with you all and hope the best for all of you. Oh and as far as KC says.....we all want the econonmy to do good, but we also want our familys to do good also. I say power to the UNION and hope you all come out good. GOD BLESS THE UNION!!!!!!

Posted by: UNIONBUSTER Location: HawkerBeech on Sep 5, 2008 at 05:50 PM
I cant believe the audacity of these morons to go on strike. What do they plan on gaining. UNEMPLOYEEMENT? You greedy fools. I hope you lose everything you own this time.

Posted by: KC Location: Wichita on Sep 5, 2008 at 05:50 PM
Greed kills. Remember that. With a strike you are also hurting the local economy. Thanks alot.

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Boeing Wichita Cutting 800 Positions

Posted By: carroll: alan- ur right. dun is dun. i'm glad i'm on the west side of oliver-- best place to be right now. i'm still on 3 day weeks as a result of the strike. i'm really cramped right now, but i support the east siders 100%! i'm not clear on what current bail outs has to do with 800 being laid off or what McCain has to do with contracts that expire. now i will agree that there are boobs in management. it's that way EVERYWHERE! it's called- promote the incompetent. so they don't hose up everything on the floor. where the real work and productivity happens. a thousand managers have no job with out 10,000 to manage. i've been a manager. everyone loves to blame management for all their woes-- it's cheap and easy. not all decisions are bad even if we don't like them. not all are wise, and proven so in the long run. i've got to work. I will decide what MY approach to today will be. life sux. get over it. get on with it. it'll get better.
Posted By: Alan: Jack, I must have hit a nerve? Most managers at Boeing and Spirit are incompetent fools that could not lead a fish to swim in water. It is because of these manager/CEO morons, that these companies, banks or whatever, are in the mess they are in.
Posted By: Alan: - Contrary to what some believe, the cut backs on the military programs at Boeing, have nothing to do with Spirit. Boeing is laying off because the contracts are FINISHED, COMPLETE, DONE. Has NOTHING to do with the strike. - And to Anonymous, if Boeing "commercial" cuts back, of course it will affect Spirit, what are you thinking, or are you? - When Boeing came out in the NEWS, and said they were thinking of dropping out of the bidding process, that pretty much summed it up for me. - Yes N, they are there comments, but they are based on nothing but ignorance, none of it is based on fact.
Posted By: jack: 1. I was against the first bailout of the financial companies. 2. I am against any other bailout plan. 3. Let the auto industry file bankruptcy to negate union contracts. 4. execs of failing companies should lose jobs or at least large part of salaries. 5. I believe current layoffs are due to economy in large part, but recent strikes have impact too. 6. Union members pay attention to item 3 above or you will be next. 7. Alan shut up! the reason people get promoted is becaues they show leadership skills & qualities you obviously do not have. You Alan are one of the sheeples who blindly follow the leader. You had better hope your leader (the union) are not lemmings.
Posted By: Annoyed: Gee, this wouldn't have a thing to do with Sen. McCain wanting to open the bidding for our Military Tanker to a foreign country. Or the fact that once Boeing cried foul and got it stopped the current administration wants to wait and let the new administration handle it. Or that the CEO's and other upper crust at Boeing want their bonuses and perks. Either the brain surgeons on this site can't understand the news or read the paper.
Posted By: Response to Anon: If you look at Japan, you will see that when companies start doing poorly, the executives take a decrease in pay because they are considered the responsible party. That's not the case in the USA. They start cutting the little guys here, then reward themselves for increasing profitablity with nice fat raises. I'm not a fan of unions, but I do realize they are NOT what is bringing down our industry. It is crappy management and shoddy accounting practices.
Posted By: Just an Observation: You guys are all correct!! It's those evil UNION guys making less than 100k a year sucking all the money out of the companies. It couldn't be all the CEO's, managers, supervisors and supervisors over supervisors bonuses, could it? Profits aren't going to be what they have been, so the only way these clowns are going to get the hefty bonuses they are used to is by cutting overhead. We all know the big dogs aren't going to get rid of themselves, so they boot the workers. They get a HUGE bonus and the remaining workers get MANDATORY OVERTIME. All the while the public p*** and moan about those evil unions.
Posted By: : So, Alan the Spirit worker: does this affect the commercial side "Boeing Co. has seen its orders peak and the number of commercial planes in its backlog will probably decline going forward." I
Posted By: Curious: Alan, When did Airbus officially get the bid? I thought Boeing lodged a complaint and it was still up in the air... Just curious.
Posted By: : Look at the quote in the story: "taking steps to restructure our business in order to lower our rates and become more affordable for customers." This IS about the bottom line. The price a customer pays for a product includes labor costs. Strikes cost millions. Unless the government bails out the auto industry, (a short term fix at best) labor unions there will be gone. One of the foreign companies will buy buildings and equipment for pennies on the dollar, capturing capacity and market share. They can take all the time they need, hire anyone they want, and in the meantime car prices go up, incentives go down, and spare parts are hard to come by. They have the operating capital to do it. Why? Because their current workforce strives for continuous improvement and cost reduction, instead of whining about their pay rate and haggling over details when they are already fairly compensated. Unless drastic changes are made, aircraft will soon be circling the drain as well. Wake up people!
Posted By: Deanna: It's a good thing they striked. They would have still had the layoffs so at least you stuck up for yourselves and got a more resonable contract.
Posted By: n: Boy, Alan seems to be the smart one out of the bunch. Using words like morons, stupidity, and idiots. Hey Alan why don't you post your comment and leave the insults out. Their not stupid or idiots or morons; it's their comments.
Posted By: n: I said when you were striking that you might win in the negotiations but that you'd lose in the long run and ah...I was so right, the layoff is the payoff for your greediness, I certainly hope that those being laid off are the ones that were on the picket line in the first place and not the ones that chose to work and not be greedy and wanting more. God sure works in mysterious ways to those not content with what they have.....Guess who is getting the last word...GOD!!!!
Posted By: Elaine: Of course, this is not good news but at least you get to work thru the holidays and you get a 60 day notice instead of just a few days.
Posted By: JD: "Alan", i dont know whether to say your comments are stupid or ignorant. If you think the layoffs have nothing to do with the strike, then you are just naive. Boeing and Spirit can make you beleive whatever they want to. But look at the facts, how can it not have to do with the strike.Think about it, you guys struck for more pay and they said ok. And now they are laying off obvisously because there is not enough money to keep the workforce where it is at now. Hmm to me that sounds like because you greedy employees wanted more and now they cant afford it. Just my opinion! So how about you look at the obvious instead of looking at things through you Boeing blinders. Way to go strikers now you can explain to your families why things are tight just like the other hard workers who got laid off because of your laziness. Best wishes to those families who had nothing to do with the strike and for the ones who did....well KARMA is a wonderful thing.
Posted By: Johnny B: See what that strike got you . Next time maybe you wont be so greedy . There is no such thing as job security anymore !!!!
Posted By: PJ: I do work for Spirit in Wichita. I also used to work for Boeing. As soon as the strike ended I told my wife "Here come the layoffs". It has happened every time there has been a strike at Boeing. Spirit immune to the layoffs plauging the industry? Dont bet on it. Everyday there are more and more people losing their jobs. That translates into less money for people to take that vacation to grandmas for Christmas, that weekend trip to Vegas, that....you get the picture. Less people flying hurts everyone. Right now Spirit is over built because of the strike. How much longer will management keep people on 3 days, when it is cheaper to lay us off so as not to pay for our benefits. If you're not a little anxious over this, then you must be living in a different world then the rest of us. This country hasn't seen anything yet, if congress doesn't help out the automakers. 2,000,000 unemployed is a lot of people. I'd rather see congress bail out the A/I then the Banking and Security industries.
Posted By: dc: Too bad to to read some comments in this section. Well, we have to admit and accept the truth that in business we can't guarantee it stays strong. Sometimes it happened like this that business turn down and many of the people getting their bread & butter from it, so it is so sad and depressing, right?..but let us think of wonderful thing and start seeking another job, i think there are still jobs around there that awaits you - don't lose the hope you know and be strong enough to face crisis like this and im sure you grow as well because this is life!
Posted By: Alan: Hey K, get a clue, because you do not have one! The military cut back at Boeing is NOT affecting Spirit. I suggest you get your facts straight before aimlessly flapping your gums.
Posted By: Anon: The United Auto Workers union has bankrupted the automobile industry, and has the companies so burdened with labor costs that they cannot possibly compete with Toyota, Volvo, Nissan, etc. The aircraft industry and the IAM would be smart to apply that lesson to the aviation industry.
Posted By: John: It still proves that the amount of morons that Wichita has. The layoffs have nothing to do with the strike. But every moron that thinks it does will have something stupid to say about it
Posted By: K: Hey alan, you genius my husband works there and was told this, i am very well aware boeing is the military area in wichita but apparently that does not matter. So before you spout your crap, don't forget others are in the front line of the layoffs and may actually know what they are talking about. Talk about being uneducated and calling the kettle black!
Posted By: Alan: If some of you idiots making these stupid comments, actually find your way onto the payroll of an aircraft company, and they, the company, find out that you really are extremely stupid, that can't understand or do your job, you will probably be made a manager. Boeing has used this technique forever, and Spirit is continuing the trend. You go boy, you go girl!!
Posted By: janet: Good going union. Protect your company rights and now because of your greed your people have no...Job. When will you learn that when you get greedy you lose. For all of you who said you were on strike to protect your family, you sure did. Hope you don't lose your home and car and everything you have because now you have NO JOB. You deserve it.
Posted By: Alan: The stupidity and ignorance runs deep on this comment section of KAKE. The layoffs have nothing to do with the recent strike. It has everything to do with a few military contracts concluding. The plan was to move the employees that were working on these contracts over to the new tanker program for the United States Air Force. But since our wonderful politicians decided to spend our hard earned tax dollars to pay Airbus to build the aircraft instead, these high skilled mod mechanics are now being laid off. You morons that make these totally uninformed comments amaze me, as you probably do others that read this section also. I can't decide if the fact that you are so severely uneducated, that you can not obtain a decent job other than flipping burgers at McDonalds or you are just plan stupid, and feel the need to lash out at persons that are considered skilled labor. And to the genius that thinks a military cutback will affect Spirit, why would it? They are military, we here at Spirit, are in the most part, commercial. Can some of you not read at all? Educate yourselves prior to making a fool of yourself, like making these half witted comments. If you are that stupid, at least try and learn to appear that you know what you are talking about, so far, most on here are failing, miserably.
Posted By: Kenny: I just told my wife after the strike, I said "Just wait, now that they are going back to work, boeing will layoff!" I love being right.
Posted By: Joy: Bet your glad you striked now huh?
Posted By: q: I only read that they are laying off in wichita. Will they be laying off in Seattle or any other place?
Posted By: K: Was told out of rumor that if Boeing lays off then Spirit will lay off too, just lovely for those that are still on 3 day work weeks out there, only to possibly get laid off after the 1st of the year.
Posted By: john: Wichita is soon to be the new Detroit in Kansas. The IAM does not know about people....only about greed. I would bet the laid off workers at Beechcraft, Cessna, and Boeing would take a wage cut over layoffs and losing their jobs any day...but thanks IAM...that is not an option. If the companies go bankrupt there will be no jobs for anyone. All of the older employees (IAM members) do not care...seniority makes their jobs safe...or so they think...WAKE UP YOU ARE NEXT! History will show unions to be the demise of american industry. And to think the engineers at Boeing want a 20% pay increase in their new contract? Whatever! Pay attention to Detroit...Wichita is next and the IAM is the issue along with greedy people!
Posted By: : HaHaHa to bad,good thing ya strike...........
Posted By: : It appears the strike for job security.. didn't work out that well.
Posted By: : WAY TO GO IAM!!! Let the Union revel in their victory. Wait victory implies a win - this doesn't look like a win to me....lol...lol...lol...;-)
Posted By: : Anyone want to take a back the strike that the Union just had. Part of the reason why 800 jobs are going to be gone.

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