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IAM 751’s Holden: Boeing CEO’s remarks ‘astounding and sad’
UPDATE — IAM President Tom Buffenbarger is demanding an apology from Boeing CEO Jim McNerney for his “unfunny and unnecessary remarks.”
The following is crossposted from the IAM District 751 blog:
“If anyone had wondered whether Boeing’s relationship with its own workers could come to a new low, it happened yesterday. Jim McNerney’s disdain and arrogance in his public comments degrade and devalue the proud Boeing Commercial Airplanes workforce, which is delivering record numbers of airplanes and record profit margins. It is astounding and sad that the leader of this company can relish forcing his employees to cower down to him, like he was some kind of third-world dictator, and it shows what he really thinks of Boeing employees — whether they’re members of the IAM, SPEEA, non-union employees or even management.
“Our members cower to no one. For generations, Boeing employees have been proud of the work they perform. They work 10- and 12-hour days, designated weekends as well, to achieve the production goals. They believe in the products they build and they ensure that the customers receive quality products. Because of this, they generate tremendous profits for Boeing.
“Boeing employees deserve better than this.”
Originally formed in 1935 to represent hourly workers at Boeing, District Lodge 751 of the International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers now represents more than 32,000 working men and women at 50 employers across Washington, Oregon and California.
To hear the audio file with McNerney’s comments, click here.