Boeing locked out its private force of firefighters who play a vital role in protecting its aircraft-manufacturing plants in the Seattle area. The lockout came after negotiations between the firefighters’ union and the company failed to reach an agreement on wages. Boeing has reportedly brought in replacement firefighters to fill the void left by the locked-out personnel.
The company confirmed that approximately 125 firefighters were affected by the lockout, with another facility located 170 miles away in central Washington also impacted. The locked-out firefighters serve as first responders to fires and medical emergencies, and they have the ability to call for assistance from local fire departments. However, with their absence, there are concerns about the potential impact on emergency response times and overall safety at Boeing’s facilities.
The International Association of Firefighters Local I-66 union, representing the locked-out firefighters, issued a statement condemning Boeing’s actions. They described the lockout as a deliberate attempt to “punish, intimidate, and coerce” the firefighters into accepting a contract that undervalues their work. The union had previously warned of a possible strike if an agreement could not be reached.
One of the main points of contention in the negotiations is the issue of wages. The firefighters argue that their current pay is insufficient and has led to a high turnover rate, with many experienced personnel leaving the company. They also claim that Boeing wants to extend the length of service from 14 to 19 years before a worker can earn the top salary, which is significantly longer than the industry standard.
In contrast, Seattle firefighters, who perform similar duties, are able to achieve the highest pay grade within three to four years. This wage disparity has further fueled the firefighters’ frustration and determination to secure fair compensation. Local I-66 represents over 120 firefighters working in Boeing fire stations across several locations, including Auburn, Everett, Renton, Seattle, and Moses Lake. The union claims that more than 80% of its members voted against previous contract proposals, citing disparities in pay and safety concerns as the main reasons for rejection.
According to reports, the proposed compensation offered by Boeing was approximately 20% lower than the industry standard, further exacerbating the dissatisfaction among the firefighters.