On January 20, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), the largest union representing workers in this industry, announced it will petition the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to conduct a union election.

Unfortunately for Boeing this is the second time in two years this union has expressed its desire to organize employees in North Charleston where 787 Dreamliners are currently assembled.  The IAM first filed a petition with the NLRB two years ago but withdrew it before the scheduled vote.

In the press release announcing the NLRB filing, the union cited “numerous workplace concerns that remain unaddressed, including subjective raises, inconsistent scheduling policies and a lack of respect on the shop floor,” as leading to the arranging of this campaign.

IAM’s lead organizer at the Boeing South Carolina plant, Mike Evans, said employees aren’t asking for anything out of the ordinary.  They just want to be treated with respect and with the same set of standards that are present in other Boeing plants.

Boeing released a statement saying it “firmly believes that a union is not in the best interest of Boeing South Carolina teammates and their families.”  If the NLRB allows a vote to take place, employees will ultimately decide whether or not they’ll turn over their rights to the IAM or maintain their direct relationship with the company they work for.  Obviously, Boeing wants to avoid a vote at all costs especially if there are murmurs of a strike.

The political situation in the United States isn’t helping the situation either as there are many uncertainties surrounding NLRB members