U.S. Labor Chief Intervenes In Boeing Strike

US Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su flew to Seattle to try to ease the strike by Boeing factory workers, as thousands of employees face layoffs and a major airline expressed alarm over the planemaker's deepening crisis, Allison Lampert, David Shepardson, and Tim Hepher reported for Reuters.

While Su had previously communicated with Boeing and the union, this visit marks her first in-person meeting with both sides in Seattle. I Photo: Acting Secretary Julie Su

Su's in-person intervention, reported by Reuters and confirmed by the Labor Department, comes days after Boeing—dealing with a crippling strike now in its fifth week—announced plans to cut 17,000 jobs and take $5 billion in charges, continuing a year of turmoil for the company.

"Acting Secretary Su is meeting with both parties today to assess the situation and encourage both parties to move forward in the bargaining process," a spokesperson said.

While Su had previously communicated with Boeing and the union, this visit marks her first in-person meeting with both sides in Seattle, the spokesperson added.

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) stated that its lead negotiator, Jon Holden, had briefed Su on the current negotiations, emphasizing the union’s commitment to reaching a negotiated contract that values its members' skills and dedication.