A union that represents approximately 1,600 white collar workers at Spirit AeroSystems, a fuselage supplier, announced on Thursday that it and Boeing had achieved a tentative agreement on a new collective bargaining contract.
The non engineering division of the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA) in Wichita, Kansas, unanimously recommended that members accept Boeing's proposal.
Due to labor law restrictions, contract negotiations began after Boeing finished its $4.7 billion acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems on December 8.
The planemaker's proposal "gives us better medical benefits, better dental benefits, more vacation time and a decent set of salary pools for raises," according to James Hatfield, the union's negotiating team chairman.
According to the SPEEA, Boeing's proposal includes a 10% 401(k) match beginning in 2027, a 50% yearly increase in promotional funds, a $6,000 ratification incentive, and a 20% boost in salary pools over around five years.
We are happy that our Best and Final Offer, which would provide our teammates with better pay, benefits, and more time off, has been fully approved by the union's bargaining committee. A Boeing representative stated, "We encourage our employees to vote 'yes'."
According to the union, members have until 5 p.m. on January 30 to examine the offer and cast their votes. The present six-year agreement is set to end on January 31, 2026. SPEEA and Boeing talks were put on hold until January 5 after negotiators accused Boeing of being ill-prepared.
