Re: “Boeing workers reject their latest contract offer, extending strike at three Midwest plants” (Sept. 12, Enterprise):
I’ve been studying concerning the Boeing strike with dismay. An apparent choice has not been used this time: sending in a impartial, confidential, educated mediator to convey the 2 sides collectively. A certified mediator might help shut the bargaining hole, reestablish institutional and relationship belief, and make use of professional negotiations methods that may be artistic concerning choices.
In actual fact, till this yr, that was typically the way in which these contentious points received resolved — since 1947, with the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service. Established simply after World Struggle II, it was an unbelievable, cost-effective federal company with an amazingly profitable file.
Nevertheless, the Division of Authorities Effectivity, underneath President Donald Trump, eradicated it. No cause, no rationalization. Merely for political expediency, costing us loads as a nation. Prices in productiveness, effectivity, belief, effectiveness and the power to speak with each other. Till this yr, the profit to the general public was large for a mere pittance in value.
FMCS had been extremely profitable in each business, in each sector, in contentious bargaining from the smallest dispute to the most important conflicts in our nation’s historical past over he previous 78 years. With the lack of FMCS, all of us misplaced loads.
Gary Hattal, Freeland, former deputy director and appearing director, FMCS
