Boeing reported a six-billion-U.S. dollar quarterly loss on Wednesday, as the company grapples with both ongoing strikes by machinists rejecting its latest contract and reputational damage from safety failures.
The company had offered a new proposal in Seattle days earlier, which included a 35 percent wage increase over four years, reinstatement of an incentive plan, improved 401k contributions and a one-time signing bonus of 7,000 U.S. dollars.
However, 64 percent of the 33,000 union members of the International Association of Machinists voted against the proposal, extending the six-week strike.
Workers are pushing for a 40 percent pay hike over three years, arguing that Boeing's offer fails to address inflation. They also want traditional pensions, cut a decade ago, to be restored.
The strike has severely disrupted Boeing's production, halting the assembly of 737 MAX, 767 and 777 jets, while delaying the 777X's delivery to 2026.
Earlier this month, the company announced a 10 percent staff reduction, affecting about 17,000 workers.
The six-billion-U.S. dollar quarterly loss reflects not only the financial strain from the strike but also the long-term fallout from safety scandals, including two fatal crashes involving the 737 Max jets in Indonesia and Ethiopia just five months apart in 2018 and 2019 that killed 346 people.
Though the planemaker agreed to a settlement in July, admitting to defrauding the U.S. government and paying 487 million U.S. dollars in fines, victims' families argue the penalty is too lenient, calling for fines up to 24.8 U.S. billion dollars.
This year, Boeing continues to face regulatory scrutiny following multiple safety breaches, including a January incident in which an Alaska Airlines plane's door panel blew out mid-flight.
Boeing faces prolonged strike after workers reject wage proposal
Attendees at a cross-Strait summit on Chinese culture emphasized the shared roots of Chinese culture across the Taiwan Strait, advocating for strengthened cultural exchange and cooperation.
The first Cross-Strait Chinese Culture Summit opened in Beijing on Wednesday, bringing together over 400 notable individuals in the field of culture from both sides of the Taiwan Strait.
Addressing the opening ceremony, Song Tao, head of both the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said that people in both the mainland and Taiwan share the same roots and culture.
Chinese culture has always valued the principle that peace is of paramount importance, and the principle that the people are the foundation of the state, Song said.
He expressed the hope that Taiwan compatriots, including those in the field of culture, will engage actively in cross-Strait exchange and cooperation across various fields, working together to counter "Taiwan independence" and promote national reunification.
Liu Chao-Shiuan, chairman of the Foundation of Chinese Culture for Sustainable Development, said he hopes that cross-Strait cultural exchange and cooperation will be enhanced, and that mutual understanding will be deepened to carry forward Chinese culture and strengthen the foundation for peaceful cross-Strait development.
"In recent years, there have been some 'de-Sinicization' attempts in the political circle of Taiwan. This has even extended to the cultural level. From the education system to the overall social climate, some individuals are seeking to disconnect Taiwan from its Chinese cultural heritage. However, many people in Taiwan hold a deep affection for and strong identification with Chinese culture, and this sentiment remains unwavering even in the face of opposition," Liu said.
"We have an unwavering responsibility to inherit, promote, and develop our culture, especially in the pursuit of national rejuvenation. What we should do is to overcome all obstacles with joint efforts from both sides of the Taiwan Strait and work toward the well-being and happiness of our compatriots," said Hung Meng-chi, honorary chairman of the Chinese Culture, Education and Economic Trade Creative Association in Taiwan.
Some attendees expressed a desire for more cross-Strait cultural exchanges, particularly in cultural works, to help students in Taiwan gain a deeper understanding of Chinese culture.
"In Taiwan, many parents, schools, and teachers understand that the roots of Chinese culture cannot be severed. They are looking for quality educational materials to teach students about Chinese culture. In the future, we hope there will be more cross-Strait exchanges regarding various works of Chinese culture," said P'an Tsu-yin, a senior media professional from Taiwan.
The three-day summit will include a main forum on literature and seven sub-forums.
Attendees to cross-Strait summit emphasize shared root of Chinese culture
