Boeing locks out its private firefighters around Seattle over pay dispute

By ALEX VEIGA
AP Business Writer

Boeing has locked out its private force of firefighters who protect its aircraft-manufacturing plants in the Seattle area and brought in replacements after the latest round of negotiations with the firefighters’ union failed to deliver an agreement on wages. The company said Saturday that it locked out about 125 firefighters and a facility about 170 miles away in central Washington. The firefighters serve as first responders to fires and medical emergencies and can call in help from local departments. Boeing says its firefighters were paid $91,000 on average last year. The International Association of Fire Fighters says they are paid far less than crews at local fire departments in the Seattle area.