Boeing faces looming strike threat by 32,000 workers: ‘We are still far apart’

Employees walk by the end of a 737 Max aircraft at the Boeing factory in Renton, Washington. Photograph: Lindsey Wasson/Reuters

Boeing workers could strike next week over a dispute between their union and the company over wages, safety, pensions and job security.

The 32,000 workers represented by the International Machinists Union have pushed for significant wage increases of at least 40% in three or four years, reinstatement of defined pension benefit plans that Boeing took away in 2014, lower healthcare costs, safety improvements, easing mandatory overtime and ensuring Boeing’s next airplane model is produced in Washington.