Contract Guarantees Four Years of Major Improvements
Over the weekend, nearly 300 Teamster drivers working for The Boeing Company voted overwhelmingly to ratify a contract that materially surpasses all previous contracts for the group. The new Agreement, which not only makes major language improvements but also guarantees economic victories that raise the bar for the rest of the industry, comes on the heels of labor disputes between Boeing and the International Association of Firefighters and the International Association of Machinists. Contrary to those negotiations, bargaining with the Teamsters took an entirely different tone, and the resulting Agreement will protect and reward Boeing Teamsters for years to come.
Contract improvements addressed nearly every problem workers had identified before negotiations. Some of the biggest issues solved include: addressing retirement security for the first time in decades, strengthening protections against subcontracting Teamster work to other groups, adding picket line language to allow Boeing Teamsters to honor picket lines at other companies, improving Seniority protections, and solving issues workers had with acquiring their DOT cards by giving workers the choice to visit their own DOT-certified doctor. Improvements on the economic side were just as substantial, with more vacations and holidays added, lowering family healthcare costs, and wage increases that will be the envy of the industry. As the contract proposal was presented, the room erupted in cheers on more than one occasion, and the final vote tally was overwhelming.
“When these negotiations began, we were prepared to face the same adversarial bargaining relationship Boeing had taken with other unionized groups, but instead we were pleased to discover this management team was committed to rewarding the hardworking drivers who keep Boeing running,” said Teamsters Local 174 Secretary-Treasurer Rick Hicks. “Boeing drivers are the consummate professionals and with this contract, their managers finally recognized and rewarded that. This contract will make an immediate difference in our members’ lives as well as serving as a strong building block for future growth. This is a victory for both sides, and our members look forward to demonstrating their value as Teamster professionals every single day.”
“We appreciate the discussions and the Company’s willingness to address our members’ needs and priorities,” said 46-year Teamster Donny Jones, who also served on the Bargaining Committee. “It shows that a collaborative culture where both parties strive to find meaningful solutions can result in a positive outcome for all.”
Founded in 1909, Teamsters Local 174 represents 8,400 working men and women in the Seattle area. “Like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TeamstersLocal174.