Labor board approves election date for Boeing South Carolina workers

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has approved an April 22 election date for the more than 3,000 workers at Boeing’s 787 production facility in South Carolina to vote on unionization, according to a statement by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM).

“This is an important step on the road to a collective bargaining agreement for workers at Boeing South Carolina [BSC],” IAM lead organizer Mike Evans said. “This is a chance for Boeing workers and their families to substantially improve their careers and communities. The law provides for a free and fair election without intimidation or harassment and we intend to ensure it is conducted accordingly.”

Boeing builds 787-8s and 787-9s, the first two variants of the Dreamliner that are in service, at both its facilities in Everett, Washington and South Carolina and will continue to do so. Final assembly of the first 787-10, which will be 18 ft. (5.5 m) longer than the 787-9, is scheduled for 2017 exclusively in North Charleston.

Boeing had said in an earlier statement that it “firmly believes that a union is not in the best interest of Boeing South Carolina teammates and their families, their communities, and the state of South Carolina, especially after years of the IAM insulting the abilities of Boeing South Carolina teammates and fighting against BSC’s success.”

(Linda Blachly - ATWOnline News)