Boeing's (NYSE:BA) biggest union said after the aviation giant cut off the health benefits of 33,000 striking workers that new Chief Executive Kelly Ortberg should be engaged in contract negotiations that would end the work stoppage.

Boeing's union has the aerospace company over a barrel. Boeing can afford to raise wages but only at the cost of a big cut in profits.

The union representing Boeing factory workers who are currently on strike in the Pacific Northwest says contract talks “broke off” with the company after another bargaining session.