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Boeing Locks Out Private Firefighters Around Seattle Over Pay Dispute – Winnipeg Free Press

Posted on by Neons

Boeing has shut down private firefighters protecting its Seattle-area airplane factories and replaced them after the latest round of negotiations with the firefighters union failed to reach a wage deal.

The company said on Saturday it had closed about 125 firefighters and a facility about 170 miles (275 kilometers) away in central Washington. Firefighters serve as first responders for fires and medical emergencies and can call for assistance from local fire departments.

“Despite extensive discussions through a neutral federal mediator, we were unable to reach an agreement with the union,” Boeing said in a statement. “We have now locked out members of the bargaining unit and fully implemented emergency plans with highly trained firefighters doing the work of (union) members.”

FILE - The Boeing logo appears on a screen above a trading desk on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, Tuesday, July 13, 2021. Boeing has shut down its private firefighting team that protects its aircraft manufacturing plants in Seattle. district on Saturday, May 4, 2024, and brought about the replacement after the latest round of negotiations with the firefighters union failed to reach an agreement on wages. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File)
FILE – The Boeing logo appears on a screen above a trading desk on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, Tuesday, July 13, 2021. Boeing has shut down its private firefighting team that protects its aircraft manufacturing plants in Seattle. district on Saturday, May 4, 2024, and brought about the replacement after the latest round of negotiations with the firefighters union failed to reach an agreement on wages. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File)

In a statement Saturday, the International Association of Firefighters said Boeing's lockout was designed to “punish, intimidate and force firefighters to accept a contract that does not value their work.”

“By putting corporate greed over safety, Boeing has decided to isolate our members and unnecessarily threaten the safety of its Washington facilities,” said Edward Kelly, IAFF President.

Boeing stressed that the lockout would have “no impact” on its operations.