By Rachel Lippmann, St. Louis Public Radio
St. Louis – Despite saying they would wait to give mediation a chance to work, the union representing 2,500 employees at Boeing plants in Hazelwood and St. Charles has notified the company of its intent to strike.
The International Association of Machinists District 837 issued the letter Thursday. Union officials said the decision came after a meeting with federal mediators and Boeing was rescheduled several times, which spokesman Tom Pinski said left members unsure about Boeing's commitment to negotiations.
In a statement, Boeing said it was disappointed the union took another step toward a strike. The 4.5-year contract includes a $5,000 bonus in the first year, and 3 percent raises after that. The union wants traditional pension plans for new hires rather than a proposed 401K plan.
The letter means workers could walk picket lines just after midnight on June 25th.