Kansas Workbeat Action Center
Ask Boeing

WHY IS BOEING IDS...

  • Ignoring concerns of engineers?
  • Dragging out contract negotiations?
  • Disrespecting its refueling tanker experts?
  • Moving Wichita work to Moscow?

Three months after settling a contract with engineering and technical workers in Washington and other West Coast states, the Boeing Company is offering much less to engineers at Wichita's Integrated Defense Systems (IDS).

Wichita engineers have overwhelming rejected the company's offer and will now be revoting on the company's offer and whether to grant their negotiators the authority to call a strike.

Sample Letter for Campaign

Subject: What is Boeing's commitment to Kansas?

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

I am very concerned to learn that Boeing is not treating it's Wichita engineers fairly.

I have some questions which I hope you will answer.

I join the 700n engineers at Boeing Wichita IDS and ask

What is Boeing's committment to Wichita?

Is Boeing selling the Wichita plant?

Why are Kansas engineers offered less?

How will provoking a strike in difficult times help?

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
March 02, 2009


Background Information

BOEING Wichita IDS

  •  A major player in our Kansas economy for more than 80 years, helping the U.S. Defense Department and exporting aerospace products overseas, including exports to Italy, Australia and Japan.
  • 3,000 Kansas workers are employed at Boeing Wichita IDS.
  • While laying off Wichita employees, Boeing is investing $100 million to build a similar plant in India.
  • Engineering and technical work previously done in Wichita is now performed in Moscow, Russia.

Provoking a strike

  • Boeing wants to strip the defined benefit pension from new employees in Kansas.
  • After years of receiving wage increase equal to engineers at other Boeing plants, Wichita engineers will receive less.
  • Denying the Boeing Wichita plant is for sale, the company refuses to discuss protections for employees if the plant is sold.

Critical defense work

  • Wichita engineers are the world experts in aerial-refueling tankers.
  • Ongoing defense work includes KC-767 tankers, 737 Wedgetail, B-52 refurbishing and Air Force One maintenance.

Kansas aid to Boeing

  • State and county tax breaks
  • Kansas state loans to Boeing
  • 700 engineers at Boeing