A union representing approximately 1,600 white-collar employees at fuselage supplier Spirit AeroSystems reported on Thursday, a provisional deal with Boeing concerning a new collective bargaining contract.
The negotiating team of the non-engineering component of the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace in the city of Wichita, Kansas, voted unanimously that members should accept the proposal made by Boeing.
Boeing finalized its $4.7 billion acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems on December 8, and contract negotiations began after the acquisition was completed due to labor law constraints.
James Hatfield, who chaired the union’s negotiation team, stated that the planemaker’s offer “gives us better medical benefits, better dental benefits, more vacation time, and a decent set of salary pools for raises.”
According to the SPEEA, Boeing offered a 20 percent increase to wage pools over approximately five years, a 50 percent yearly raise in promotional funds, a $6000 ratification bonus, and a 10 percent 401(k) match in 2027.
A Boeing spokesperson reported, “We’re pleased the union’s bargaining committee has fully endorsed our Best and Final Offer that would give our teammates higher wages, better benefits, and more time off. We encourage our employees to vote ‘yes’.”
The union said that the union members have until 5 pm on January 30 to consider the offer and vote on the proposal. The current six-year contract is due to expire on January 31, 2026.
Thus, the negotiations between Boeing and SPEEA were halted until January 5, and negotiators accused Boeing of not being ready to negotiate.
