Boeing resumes 737 MAX production after machinist strike ends

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Boeing resumes 737 MAX production after machinist strike ends

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Simple Flying | Simple Flying

By Sky Industry News

Dec 10, 2024

Boeing has restarted production of its 737 MAX aircraft in Washington following a 52-day strike by machinists that concluded on November 4. According to an exclusive report by Reuters, the manufacturing lines for the 737 MAX 8 and MAX 9 resumed operations on December 6. Boeing has not yet commented on this development.

The labor action, involving approximately 33,000 workers represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District Lodge 751 and District W24 union, ended with an agreement for a general wage increase of 38% and a $12,000 ratification bonus. Workers returned between November 6 and November 12 after approving the new contract terms.

Before the strike ended, Kelly Ortberg, Boeing's president and CEO, remarked on the challenges ahead: “Once we get back, we have the task of restarting the factories and the supply chain, and it's much harder to turn this on than it is to turn it off.” Ortberg emphasized safety and quality management as critical components in resuming production.

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In November, Boeing delivered only fourteen aircraft due to strike-related delays. A company spokesperson assured that they would "safely and methodically restart operations in Washington and Oregon," but acknowledged that full production would take several weeks to resume fully.

Despite ongoing delivery efforts during the strike period—where Boeing managed to deliver eighteen 737 MAX planes—none had their first flights before work stoppages began. Notably, a United Airlines plane delivered post-strike took its maiden flight just days prior to the walkout.

On December 10th, Rytis Beresnevičius reported Boeing's statement: "Our team has worked methodically to restart factory operations in the Pacific Northwest." The company confirmed using its Safety Management System for assessing risks during this process while preparing parts, tools, and employee certifications for renewed production rates at pre-strike levels.