Boeing’s $7.6 Billion Mistake: The One Solution That Could Have Changed Everything

The Strike That Won Headlines, but Lost Security

When Boeing’s recent strike ended, headlines celebrated a hard-fought victory. Workers cheered the 38% wage increase and the $12,000 ratification bonus. But beneath the surface, many employees still lie awake at night, wondering if they’re truly secure.

Because the deal missed what matters most: lasting financial protection for the workers who build Boeing’s future every day.

Why This Deal Isn’t Enough

During negotiations, workers pushed to revive pensions—a reliable, guaranteed source of retirement income. Boeing rejected this, citing costs, and instead offered wage hikes and a one-time $5,000 401(k) contribution.

While these gestures bring temporary relief, they leave workers exposed to market swings, inflation, and an unpredictable future. A single recession or health crisis could erase the financial progress these workers fought for on the picket line.

The Missed Solution: A Smarter, Safer Alternative

Imagine a 45-year-old Boeing machinist, fighting for a better future for his family, only to remain tethered to the stock market’s ups and downs. There is a better path:

The 702s Plan

Unlike traditional 401(k)s, the 702s Plan provides:

✅ Tax-free accumulation and distribution under IRS Code 7702

✅ Protection from market downturns with a “Zero Floor”

✅ Locked-in annual gains

✅ Liquidity and flexibility from Year 1

✅ Compound interest growth without penalties

✅ Living benefits for illness and long-term care

✅ A tax-free estate benefit for loved ones

The Numbers Tell the Story

Let’s break it down:

• A 45-year-old Boeing worker earning $68,000 sees a 38% wage increase to $76,840.

• A $5,000 401(k) deposit at a 4% average growth (market adjusted) might add only $150/year in retirement income after taxes.

• After 20 years, it could result in just $3,000–$4,000 of annual retirement income after taxes.

Now, consider the 702s Plan

If the same $5,000, plus a portion of the wage increase, were redirected monthly into a 702s Plan, this worker could build over $500,000 of tax-free, protected cash value, with living benefits and family protection, outperforming the 401(k) while ensuring stability regardless of market crashes or tax increases.

A Future Boeing Workers Deserve

The strike cost Boeing over $7.6 billion, yet the settlement failed to provide workers with true security.

The 702s Plan could have addressed both Boeing’s and its workers’ goals - creating financial protection for workers while boosting morale, trust, and long-term loyalty to the Boeing brand.

Why It Matters

Boeing is built on the dedication of machinists and workers who show up every day to build aircraft that connect the world. They deserve a future that isn’t tied to Wall Street’s volatility or Washington’s changing tax laws.

They deserve a plan that grows with them, protects them during illness, and secures their families after they’re gone.

That’s what the 702s Plan delivers.

It’s Time to Rethink Worker Security

This isn’t just about Boeing. It’s about American workers everywhere. The 702s Plan is not merely a missed opportunity; it’s the critical solution that can transform how we protect and value the people who power our industries.

By prioritizing true, long-term security, Boeing can lead the way in restoring trust in American corporations while enhancing shareholder value and building a culture of care.

Share and Take Action

If you found this important, share it with your colleagues and union leaders. Let’s start a conversation about building a future where workers don’t just survive but thrive.

Learn more about the 702s Plan and how it can transform retirement security at W.H. STEINER’s official website.

Together, we can build a system worthy of the people who keep America moving.

Author: William H. Steiner

Founder & Chief Strategist - 702s Plan | 702s Digital Plan

Email: wsteiner@whsteiner.com