First Published 5:50 PM ET:
The machinists at Boeing Charleston have voted against continued representation by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, according to the employee hotline set up to notify the workforce of the result.
Employees voted 68 in favor of continued representation by the IAM and 199 against. A simple majority vote was required to continue the IAM's representation of the Boeing Charleston workforce.
In reaction to the preliminary vote that has yet to be certified by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), Boeing spokesman Tim Healy said in a statement it was happy with the outcome and suggested that process was a distraction from the work going on at the facility:
"We are pleased that hourly workers expressed their desire to deal directly with the company on employment matters without any intermediary. We're also pleased that Boeing Charleston can now move forward to focus on excellence and meeting commitments on the 787 program."
According to a report on thestreet.com, IAM spokesman Bob Wood indicated that Boeing involved itself in the vote:
"It's a democratic process. We certainly feel that workers would be better with union representation. It's too bad that Boeing did not stay neutral in the process and let the workers decide."
Healy maintained that the petition to de-certify was driven by employees alone and Boeing had no role in its initiation. Adding that per the rules laid out for a de-certification vote, after the election is scheduled "both sides have a right to communicate their point of view."
Healy said that the initial 2007 vote for representation by the IAM took place prior to Boeing's July acquistion of the Vought Aircraft Industries facility which is responsible for the fabrication and integration of the 787's aft fuselage sections.
The vote may clear the way for Boeing to select the North Charleston, South Carolina site as the location for the second 787 line. A final decision on the line has been based in large part on the relations between Boeing and the IAM, its largest union.
The IAM, which represents the company's more than 25,000 machinists and aerospace workers, went on strike halting production in Boeing's commercial aircraft factories for 57-days during September and October of 2008.
The the vote is expected to be certified by the NLRB within seven days.
The machinists at Boeing Charleston have voted against continued representation by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, according to the employee hotline set up to notify the workforce of the result.
Employees voted 68 in favor of continued representation by the IAM and 199 against. A simple majority vote was required to continue the IAM's representation of the Boeing Charleston workforce.
In reaction to the preliminary vote that has yet to be certified by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), Boeing spokesman Tim Healy said in a statement it was happy with the outcome and suggested that process was a distraction from the work going on at the facility:
"We are pleased that hourly workers expressed their desire to deal directly with the company on employment matters without any intermediary. We're also pleased that Boeing Charleston can now move forward to focus on excellence and meeting commitments on the 787 program."
According to a report on thestreet.com, IAM spokesman Bob Wood indicated that Boeing involved itself in the vote:
"It's a democratic process. We certainly feel that workers would be better with union representation. It's too bad that Boeing did not stay neutral in the process and let the workers decide."
Healy maintained that the petition to de-certify was driven by employees alone and Boeing had no role in its initiation. Adding that per the rules laid out for a de-certification vote, after the election is scheduled "both sides have a right to communicate their point of view."
Healy said that the initial 2007 vote for representation by the IAM took place prior to Boeing's July acquistion of the Vought Aircraft Industries facility which is responsible for the fabrication and integration of the 787's aft fuselage sections.
The vote may clear the way for Boeing to select the North Charleston, South Carolina site as the location for the second 787 line. A final decision on the line has been based in large part on the relations between Boeing and the IAM, its largest union.
The IAM, which represents the company's more than 25,000 machinists and aerospace workers, went on strike halting production in Boeing's commercial aircraft factories for 57-days during September and October of 2008.
The the vote is expected to be certified by the NLRB within seven days.
on September 10, 2009 7:12 PM | Reply
OH how sweet the the smell of freedom!
Take your lazy union butts and go home!
on September 10, 2009 7:22 PM | Reply
Just goes to show "NO" BAD deeds can go un-punished!
The union had it time and some old dogs just die hard!
Now the open minded, hard working and team spirited employees in North Charleston, can finally take that mean ol' dog to the pound.
Just like the IAM to be a poor looser "EXCUSES, EXCUSES, EXCUSES" Face it Bob, you loose! plain and simple.
on September 10, 2009 8:06 PM | Reply
I would remind folks that profanity WILL NOT BE TOLERATED in the comments on this blog and I would ask the comments remain constructive and civil. Please don't make me start screening comments.
Jon
on September 10, 2009 8:17 PM | Reply
During their brief time with the IAM, I suspect that the workers in Charleston came to realize that it is a combative union known for an adversarial relationship with the company. It is likely that Boeing will give them comparable wage and benefits packages to what they give the IAM, but won't have to deal with the work stoppages.
on September 10, 2009 8:20 PM | Reply
This is great news for Charleston!
on September 10, 2009 10:07 PM | Reply
We'll have to see what Boeing offers. Also, it is a very small workforce, perhaps too small to support what it is that the union would bring to the table.
That there are unions suggests that things haven't been all hunky dory between companies and their workers. After all, we have even seen times when MDs have organized (or tried to).
So, there is still the open question of how lowly workers can counter fat cat power running amok. No, and I repeat, no union worker (or boss) has taken out of any company what fat cats have. Now, by what right has this happened?
Don't use the collective agreements of the UAW that were a factor in GM, etc. (have you an accounting of what has been skimmed off the top over the time period from the top?). Companies made promises about future benefits in order to not have to belly up to paying in the now. The whole society has been doing this type of 'ponzi' scheming (to wit, ..., oh, too many to list -- besides, it's depressing).
Remember, too, golden (platinum) parachutes are the norm for those at the top. They even have manipulated funds meant for worker pensions in order to get their take. Oh, yes, "if the law worked right, unions wouldn't be necessary" is a very sound conjecture.
To see the imbalance, all that is necessary is to look at Turner (and his group) in Wichita and to see how they've enriched themselves (oh sure, it could have been a lot more -- remember, golden sacks took a big bunch of bucks, too) after sticking it to workers.
As an aside, it'll be interesting to see what Jon reports about his talks with SPEEA in Wichita.
on September 11, 2009 12:07 AM | Reply
Old guy, old guy - same old tired agenda. Still talking about unions as if they work for anyone but themselves. Still going on and on with the talking points and spin, almost as if facts don't matter and no one can see through the intense jealousy and greed. Turner could invent the cure for cancer and you'd still accuse him and the rest at Spirit of some sinister, dark plan to profit off it. Here's a secret for you: business is about profit. That is the measure of success. The only one that matters. Without it, no company and no contracts to continue enriching union lackeys like yourself. Surely you can understand that? The world is wiseing up. Maybe you should too while there's still time.
on September 11, 2009 12:44 AM | Reply
Jon, enough politics, lets get back to nuts and bolts. What are your spys telling you about the about the progress of the repairs to the 787 fleet. Has Boeing gone out and hired sone vertically challanged mechanics to speed up the repairs? I only say that because I remeber seeing old footage of WII bombers being put together and they would use vertically challanged mechanics inside the wings to seal the wings. I wonder if this isn't another case where the little people can help solve Boeing's big problem?
on September 11, 2009 1:36 AM | Reply
Great news from Charleston. It's freedom for everyone! I wonder how those UNIONS were able to survive for so long? It's XXI century.
on September 11, 2009 1:53 AM | Reply
Breaking news: Charleston Machinists Decertify Union, Unemployment set to drop in area.
on September 11, 2009 3:58 AM | Reply
Transcript of the audio in the first video would be great.
http://kpae.blogspot.com/2009/09/paine-field-september-10.html
on September 11, 2009 8:32 AM | Reply
Business? Busy-ness?
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/business
Note, 'profit' is only a part of the busy-ness that capitalism seems to have high-jacked. Note, too, please, that 'profit' is sought, not guaranteed.
Turns out that some 'guarantees' are those that involve moving monies out of the pockets of others (in the case of Spirit, in part, those hold the under-water stock). The power is on the top-down and easily malfeased (intended).
The unions are an attempt, albeit not without problems, to get some balance back to the side of the serfs.
Consider this. If companies treated their employees as entrepreneurs, and with dignity, the issues would abate, somewhat. But, we don't see that in that what the companies want, many times, is really unreasonable (note things like dangerous jobs - the managers aren't the ones putting their selves at stake).
Words from the middle, by the way.
on September 11, 2009 10:11 AM | Reply
This wasn't a big surprise. Charleston wants the 787 2nd production line. They need the jobs.
on September 11, 2009 11:44 AM | Reply
Workers don't join unions because they like unions. They join unions because of percieved abuse by the corporation. No one wants to pay union dues for nothing.
If the Charleston workers think they are being treated fairly they won't reorganize, but if they think they are being abused they will certainly reorganize.
Good luck to them, so far they've kept Everett busy with rework.
on September 11, 2009 2:56 PM | Reply
"This wasn't a big surprise. Charleston wants the 787 2nd production line. They need the jobs."
As does San Antonio and Long Beach both of which have available infrastructure and skilled labor. I hope the workers made the change based on their value of the union vs. no union and not the "If come" that they may get the second 787 assembly line. Besides the workers voting already have jobs. It is highly unlikely they will lose them what ever decision Boeing makes and more jobs may or may not benefit them personally.
on September 11, 2009 4:18 PM | Reply
airplanejim:
'more jobs may or may not benefit them personally'
******************
If they get that second line, the individuals have A LOT to gain...
A growing company typically puts experienced workers in charge of inexperienced workers for training and oversight....barring union meddling of course...
So, if Boeing Charleston has to hire hundreds of new workers, all of the existing, long-time workers are going to be much more likely to be promoted to more supervisory roles, with correspondingly higher pay...whereas without new people coming in and more work to be done, they might be stuck cleaning molds for the rest of their lives.
Not to mention plain old job security...I mean it's not guaranteed, but more work=more jobs=fewer layoffs.
on September 11, 2009 7:27 PM | Reply
Just like 57 days doesn't equal 2.5 years delay- 199 people doesn't equal the IAM membership.
Like I've noted before- Charleston is a immature aerospace culture and any product from that region reflects it.
The fun is going to start when management purges the old membership and begins their reign of incompetence.
I'm enjoying the adolescent glee that some people are feeling at the moment- time will demonstrate the folly of their attitude and forecast..
on September 12, 2009 2:28 PM | Reply
"So, if Boeing Charleston has to hire hundreds of new workers, all of the existing, long-time workers are going to be much more likely to be promoted to more supervisory roles"
Chris, that is typically the thought but having witnessed the ramp up of the DC-11 and other aircraft, that typically doesn't happen. First and second line supervision is often brought in who have assembly experience elsewhere. All I am saying is don't bet on the "If come".
on September 12, 2009 8:12 PM | Reply
I've reviewd this article and one that appears at charleston.net concerning the outcome of the vote to decertify the North Charleston union. It appears the IAM's Mr. Wood is alleging that Boeing involved itself in the vote by letting workers know that the company would prefer to deal directly with the employees rather than the union. If it is permissible for both sides to communicate their points of view after the election is scheduled and before the vote takes place, and Boeing communicated its wishes during that time period, then there is no foul here. Or is Mr. Wood indicating he was privy to other actions by Boeing but decided not to disclose those actions?
on September 13, 2009 6:15 AM | Reply
Dear Jon
What "profanity are you refering to ???? I see NONE !!!!!
Profanity has a religeous context...........I see NONE
please clarify what particular WORDS you deem profane !!!
on September 13, 2009 8:21 PM | Reply
Can't help but wonder if Boeing told Charleston "If you vote out the union,we'll build the 787 2nd line here!" If they did,what would Charleston do if Boeing put the 2nd line in Texas or California? Bring the union back in or stay non-union?
on September 14, 2009 10:54 AM | Reply
Come on guys, the writing is on the wall. Now that the "union" part is out of the way for the moment, the company can now say they'll build it there. However, once it's there, workers from Everett will have to go there and help and what's the first thing they will discuss? Benefits, how much are you making, etc, etc, etc, etc. Vought workers top out at 16 bucks an hour and get 1 week of vacation....That's just for starters. Charleston is playing the game, but they'll soon realize they'll be taken advantage of and the Union will be back. May not be the IAM, but something will return.
on September 14, 2009 12:25 PM | Reply
Seff: It is my understanding that there can be no changes to workers' wages, benefits, etc. until the the NLRB certifies the vote. The NLRB has seven days from the vote to do this. Once the vote has been certified, Boeing will likely provide the workers with information about non-union employee benefits. Since it seems many companies today offer 2 weeks vacation, sick days, health insurance and some type of pay structure including annual raises or possibly merit increases, the workers could see some increase in benefits over what their union had previously negotiated for them.
on September 15, 2009 3:10 PM | Reply
Boeing Seattle and Portland union hourly employees grades 3 to 8 currently start at $14.42-19.57/hr. Max rate after six years is $29.74-34.89/hr. These would be applicable to workers assembling the 787. The rest of the contract is available on the IAM district 751 website. IF, big IF, a second line is built in Charleston, workers there would eventually want the same pay to do the same job.
on September 16, 2009 8:18 PM | Reply
Actually all pay depends on the median of the job title in the surrounding area...depends on where you live and cost of living.