New Delhi

The Union representing Boeing factory workers currently on strike in the Pacific Northwest said contract negotiations "broke off" with the company following their latest bargaining session.

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The regional district of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers said late Friday that Boeing refused to engage meaningfully on critical issues important to members — higher wages — and wasn't willing to give ground on demands to reinstate a defined-benefit pension that was eliminated a decade ago, the association said in a social media update posted on platforms X and Facebook.

IAM District 751 said no additional dates were scheduled after Friday's session between the federal government and the parties. The Union added that it remained “open to talks with the company, either direct or mediated.”

In a statement to the Associated Press on Saturday, Boeing said it was “prepared to meet at any time,” committed to negotiating in good faith, and wanted to reach an agreement as soon as possible.

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On Monday, the aerospace giant presented what it described as its "best and final" offer. The proposal included wage increases of 30 per cent over four years — up from 25 per cent in a deal that union members overwhelmingly rejected when they voted to strike on Sept. 12, but still far short of the Union's initial demand of 40 per cent over three years.

Boeing also infuriated the union officials by providing the new offer to the striking employees through the media and asking them to ratify it by Friday night. The pressure had its effect, and Boeing changed its stance to accept more time to get the decision of the union members for its offer. Nevertheless, many employees were not convinced that this was a good offer after all.

The walkout, involving nearly 33,000 machinists, now enters its third week, and contract talks were stalled earlier in the strike as well, which shut down all production of Boeing's best-selling aeroplanes. The strike won't directly impact airline flights but has ramped up pressure on a company already under numerous financial, legal, and technical strains this year.