SEATTLE, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Negotiations have once again stalled between Boeing and its striking union machinists.

The bargaining committee for IAM District 751 said in an update late Friday, Sept. 27, that talks broke off with the company after their latest bargaining session.

The union claims Boeing didn’t budge on calls to restore a defined-benefit pension that was axed 10 years ago. It added that the company would not engage in other issues that the union had made “top priorities,” including higher pay, quicker wage progression and more paid time off.

The union says no further dates for negotiations have been scheduled, though it remains open to talks with Boeing. The company said in a statement to the Associated Press on Saturday, Sept. 28, that it’s prepared to meet at any time and wants to reach an agreement as soon as possible.

As the walkout enters its third week, striking machinists now have another issue to deal with. Washington Health Benefit Exchange says that many of those employees’ healthcare coverage could end as soon as Monday, Sept. 30.

A special 60-day enrollment period has since opened for any worker who may lose coverage as a result of the strike. Impacted employees can apply for health or dental coverage either before or after their current plan ends.

State lawmakers passed SB 5632 during the 2024 legislative session, which allows for special enrollment periods when employees are on strike.