Boeing Locks Out Firefighters in Contract Dispute, and Biden Weighs In

Contract negotiations between Boeing and a union representing firefighters at some of the company’s commercial plane factories broke down last week. On Thursday, President Biden called on both sides to return to the negotiating table.

The company locked out about 125 workers represented by a chapter of the International Association of Firefighters union on Saturday after failing to reach an agreement on a new contract. The talks, conducted with the help of a federal mediator, stalled after the firefighters rejected what the company had said was its final offer.

On Thursday, President Biden expressed support for the firefighters and encouraged both parties to continue bargaining. Mr. Biden is expected to visit the Seattle area on Friday for campaign events.

Boeing did not immediately respond to a request for comment on President Biden’s statement or the status of its negotiations with the firefighters.