Boeing union asks CEO to ‘engage’ in talks after striking workers’ health plan ends

Boeing’s (NYSE:BA) biggest union said after the aviation giant cut off the health benefits of 33,000 striking workers that new Chief Executive Kelly Ortberg should be engaged in contract negotiations that would end the work stoppage.

“It’s time for the new CEO to truly engage at the proposal-based level and to take the reins from his subordinates who are fumbling critical decisions like this one,” Brian Bryant, president of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, which represents the striking workers, said in a statement. “There is no reason the health benefits question could not have been punted on to allow more time for negotiations at the table.”

The union on Monday urged workers to find alternative health plans, as the Sept. 30 termination date was said to be well known.

Workers three weeks ago rejected Boeing’s (BA) offer of a 25% pay increase and voted to go on strike. They’re seeking a 40% pay hike over four years, along with other demands.

“We remain committed to resetting our relationship with our represented employees and negotiating in good faith, and want to reach an agreement as soon as possible,” Boeing (BA) said in a statement.

Ortberg joined Boeing (BA) as chief executive in August, and the strike marks another major challenge as the plane maker aims to resolve product-safety issues and boost output of commercial planes.