Boeing union leaders call for strike

SEATTLE, Aug. 31 (UPI) -- Leaders of the union representing Boeing machinists have recommended the rank and file vote to strike at U.S. plants next week.

Tom Wroblewski, business representative for 26,000 workers in the Seattle area, announced the call for a strike Friday, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reported. He was joined by union leaders from Portland, Ore., and Wichita, Kansas.

"The offer fell short in job security," Wroblewski said. "The medical package had huge cost-shifting and deductibles on the backs of our members. They offered wages that were below industry standard. Other areas of concern were holidays, vacation, sick leave, bereavement leave, life insurance, lump-sum payments and profit-sharing."

A Boeing spokesman, Tim Healy, called the package the company's "best and final offer" and said Boeing is disappointed by the leadership position.

Union members must first vote on the contract offer. If they reject it in a majority vote, they must then vote for a strike by a two-thirds margin to authorize a walkout.

The vote is set for Wednesday, and a strike would begin Thursday.