"Ending the strike involving more than 30,000 Boeing workers in the Seattle area is a top priority for the company."
That's what CEO Kelly Ortberg said, AFP reports.
The strike, which shut down assembly plants for the 737 MAX and 777 planes, is entering its second week.
"During mediation with the union this week, we continued our good faith efforts to engage the union's negotiating committee in meaningful negotiations," Ortberg said.
"We remain strongly committed to reaching an agreement as soon as possible that recognizes the hard work of our employees and ends the work stoppage in the Pacific Northwest," the executive added.
He noted that the company was "disappointed that discussions did not result in more progress."
Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), District 751, had voted overwhelmingly on September 12 to reject the new contract, walking out in protest hours later.
Their main demands included a 40% wage increase.
This is considerably more than the 25% increase announced by Boeing, but the workers consider the figure misleading as the deal will also remove the annual bonus.
Union members have complained of nearly stagnant pay for more than a decade. That problem has been exacerbated by consumer inflation in recent years and the higher cost of living in the Seattle area, which is a growing tech hub.
On Sept. 18, Boeing said it would begin laying off professional staff and workers as it tries to conserve cash amid the strike. | BGNES
