Boeing locks out its private firefighters around Seattle over pay dispute

Earlier DU thread: Boeing firefighters picket in Everett for better pay

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Boeing locks out its private firefighters around Seattle over pay dispute

BY ALEX VEIGA
Updated 2:04 PM EDT, May 4, 2024

Boeing has locked out its private force of firefighters who protect its aircraft-manufacturing plants in the Seattle area and brought in replacements after the latest round of negotiations with the firefighters’ union failed to deliver an agreement on wages.

The company said Saturday that it locked out about 125 firefighters and a facility about 170 miles (275 kilometers) away in central Washington. The firefighters serve as first responders to fires and medical emergencies and can call in help from local fire departments.

“Despite extensive discussions through an impartial federal mediator, we did not reach an agreement with the union,” Boeing said in a statement. “We have now locked out members of the bargaining unit and fully implemented our contingency plan with highly qualified firefighters performing the work of (union) members.”

In a statement Saturday, the International Association of Firefighters union said Boeing’s lockout is intended to “punish, intimidate and coerce its firefighters into accepting a contract that undervalues their work.”

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Read more: https://apnews.com/article/boeing-firefighters-labor-lockout-c83b4b91677e4db8ac415bfb2de5e24e