Machinists seek union election for production employees at South Carolina Boeing plant

The International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers is asking a federal agency to set an election so more than 2,400 Boeing production workers in South Carolina can vote on whether to form a union.

In a statement, the union said a petition was filed Monday with the National Labor Relations Board. The union said a significant number of Boeing workers signed authorization cards.

The NLRB will have to set election dates.

South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley is a strong opponent of unions and has urged Boeing workers to reject unionization efforts. Union organizer Mike Evans has called on the governor to remain neutral leading up to the vote.

Boeing last month opened a new propulsion plant in North Charleston and now employs about 7,500 people in South Carolina.