You may be wondering why numerous people are protesting with signs and speakers outside of Boeing and around the Renton area. September 13, 2024 was the start of the Boeing Strike. This ongoing protest is to increase the salary for Boeing employees due to what workers believe is an unfair 4-year contract that Boeing had presented. We can see throughout Renton the amount of workers going on strike for what they think is right. Learn more about the protest and why it’s happening in this article.
As we interviewed Mr. Booker, a current Boeing employee and RHS teacher, we found out some crucial information about the protest. The reason why Boeing employees are going on strike is due to salary conflicts. Boeing’s CEO had increased his salary by 50% but denied the request of employees asking for a 20-40% salary raise. Boeing has also been convicted of some criminal actions that made Boeing employees, as well as outsiders, question Boeing’s aircraft company.
Examples include many aircraft crashes that Boeing is responsible for due to the failure to give their pilots the correct safety precautions they needed to fly. The salary raises are visibly unfair in the eyes of Boeing employees and not the type of treatment that they feel they deserve. Due to this, they have decided to go on a strike that has lasted for over 3 weeks now. The strikes are to show that they are not afraid to stand up and take what they deserve. This is also a prime example of what we can learn as RHS students, to stand up for yourself when you feel that something is not right or if you are not being treated fairly. It shows your bravery, confidence, and assertiveness to take action and peacefully protest for your betterment.
Mr. Booker explains his experience and insight working at Boeing. He expresses his love for working at Boeing. He also explains the fascinating parts of working at Boeing. Some examples are, “the products and the culture that existed when the Boeing family founded the place.” The positives of being an employee at Boeing are that the experience is unimaginable, being able to work with planes and other aircraft. He states, “I never thought I’d work for a manufacturing facility,” but now that he does, he really enjoys it. Even though Boeing is not at its best right now with the tough allegations and questionable rulings, there are great upsides to working at Boeing. Don’t let the negativity discourage you from having aspirations to pursue your career options at Boeing. There are positives too! Whether that be the innovative work environment, global opportunities, or the community and culture.
Good luck to Boeing employees on their strike! We hope you get the pay you deserve. Remember RHS students – you too can stand up for what’s right and use your voice when you need it!
Sources:
https://www.cnbc.com/2024/09/13/boeing-workers-strike-reject-contract.html
