Author: Jake Rosenfeld, Professor of Sociology, Washington University in St. Louis

Striking Boeing machinists approved a new contract on Nov. 4, 2024. It was negotiated between their union, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, and the nation’s largest commercial aircraft manufacturer. Members of the union, known as the IAM, won a 43% cumulative wage raise over the next four years, substantial signing bonuses, increased company contributions to workers’ 401k plans and a commitment by Boeing to build its next plane in the Seattle region. The workers had rejected two previous proposals, demanding higher pay, job security and the return of a traditional pension plan before backing the third on…