Boeing locks out private firefighters after contract talks break down - World Socialist Web Site
Boeing locked out its private firefighter force on early Saturday after the latest round of contract negotiations failed over questions of wages. The lockout of members of the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) began at 12:01 a.m. Saturday.
Affected were approximately 130 IAFF Local I-66 firefighters who protect Boeing’s manufacturing facilities as well as perform preventive measures, respond to medical emergencies, and guard against refueling and flight incidents.
According to the union, Boeing firefighters are stationed at locations in Auburn, Everett, Renton, Seattle and Moses Lake, and receive around 200 emergency calls per month.
The company immediately brought in scabs to take over this important safety work. It said in a statement Saturday: “Despite extensive discussions through an impartial federal mediator, we did not reach an agreement with the union. We have now locked out members of the bargaining unit and fully implemented our contingency plan with highly qualified firefighters performing the work of (union) members.”
Boeing maintains that its operations will not suffer, but the union says the lockout will negatively affect the surrounding communities as their local fire and emergency services will be the ones responding to emergency calls at Boeing.
