Deaf Boeing workers part of strike

Here is an interview with three Deaf employees with Boeing who are a part of the workers’ strike that started on September 13.

[Begin interview clip]

Alex: Can you introduce yourselves, your positions, and how long you’ve worked there?

Chris Walker: My name is Chris Walker. I’ve worked on the Boeing 777’s back tail for two years.

Aaron: My name is Aaron. I’ve worked for 13 months. I work on the winglet. It is at the end of the wing. I assemble it together. Thanks.

Jeffrey Benitez: I’m Jeffrey Benitez. I’ve worked 17 years with Boeing. I work on the final assembly to build the 737 plane.

[Chris shows the scene of the strike, which is taking place on a busy street. Workers are picketing with signs.]

Alex: Can you explain why you decided to strike?

Chris: Boeing and our union did not have a good relationship in the past and we’ve been waiting for 16 years with no pay increases. We’re fed up and want to do a strike. We want a 40% increase, a $10 increase, over the next 4 years. We don’t want it to be over 6 years but 4 years.

Aaron: We need help to get back on our pension. We also need better retirement benefits for the future. The union is supporting our needs. The CEO is hoarding money and we the people are tired from doing all the physical labor. They shouldn’t take us for granted but give us what we need.

Alex: I’m curious if you are making any specific demands for deaf employees’ needs? Or is this the same set of issues for all workers, both deaf and hearing?

Chris and Aaron: It’s the same.

Aaron: We are in solidarity with all the plane employees.

Alex: Okay. Can you estimate how many deaf employees there are for Boeing?

Aaron: About 50. Probably over 50. More than 50, yes.

Alex: I’m curious if you’re happy working for Boeing? You’re just not satisfied with the pay? Or are you generally unhappy?

Aaron: I love this job for sure. But the benefits and the pay could be better. Other than than, I love it.

Chris: Yes, we want a pay raise. I’m struggling with not being able to buy a house. I need better pay.

Alex: For you deaf workers, how do you communicate with hearing workers and the union during this strike?

Aaron: There are interpreters provided for meetings. We talk on pen and paper. Some already know us and we can communicate easily.

Alex: What do you hope will come out of this strike? What will make you satisfied and happy?

Chris: I want a contract with a 40% pay increase.

Aaron: I agree. I hope so too. I also hope that more deaf people will join. You’re welcome to come! Boeing supports all disabilities. It doesn’t matter who or which.

Chris: Right!

Alex: Is the Boeing factory close to where you are?

Chris: Yes. [Chris points the camera to show a road leading to a factory]. It’s over there. It’s private.

Alex: Thank you! Take care!

Chris: Thumbs up!

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