Union anger after Boeing makes 'divisive' final offer to end strike

A union representing 33,000 striking Boeing workers has reacted with anger at what the aircraft maker called its "best and final" pay offer of a 30% rise over four years.

- Julia Kollewe

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), Boeing's largest union, declined to put the offer to a vote, saying the proposal was not negotiated with the union and it fell short of members' demands.

Boeing offered to reinstate a performance bonus, improve retirement benefits and double a ratification bonus to $6,000 (£4,500) if the workers accepted the offer by Friday. However, in a post on Facebook, the union said the offer was "thrown at us without any discussion".

It added that while the negotiating team was still reviewing the details, Boeing sent the offer directly to all members and the media.

"Let us be absolutely clear: this is a non-negotiated offer from Boeing," the union wrote. "These direct dealing tactics are a huge mistake, damage the negotiation process, and attempt to go around and bypass your union negotiating committee."

It added that the proposal "does not go far enough".