This browser does not support the Video element.
SEATTLE - Boeing presented its final contract offer to the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace on Friday afternoon, with union leadership recommending members approve the deal.
The proposed agreement covers more than 16,000 engineers, scientists, and technicians, primarily based in the Puget Sound region, with smaller groups in Oregon, California, and Utah.
What they're saying:
The union's bargaining committee is advising employees to vote "Yes" on the proposal.
"The results of these negotiations could not have been possible without the unity and solidarity that our members have shown over the last few weeks," SPEEA members said in a joint statement. "They represent a real step forward toward improving our pay and work lives and rebuilding the relationship between Boeing leadership and our union’s members
Some of the contract highlights, according to the SPEEA, include:
- 10% guaranteed wage increase following approval of the contract offer
- Another 4% guaranteed wage increase in March 2027
- Revised language regarding work-from-home, overtime limits for certain unit members
- Wage pools of 6% in 2028, 2029 and 2030 — with a guaranteed minimum increase of 4% in each of those years
The other side:
"Our final contract offer addresses the top priorities identified by our employees and SPEEA’s bargaining teams, including an immediate wage increase and larger wage pools with guarantees," Ben Nimmergut, Boeing vice president and functional chief engineer for Production Engineering, said in a statement. "We’re optimistic this will allow all of us to focus on the important work ahead."
The backstory:
The negotiations mark the first full contract negotiation between Boeing and SPEEA in 14 years. The current labor agreement between Boeing and SPEEA, which was last extended in 2020, expires Oct. 6.
On Aug. 21, Boeing engineers and technical workers rejected the company's contract offer and overwhelmingly authorized a potential strike.
About 64% of members voted to reject the contracts, pushing for better improvements, while nearly 88% voted yes to strike.
The SPEEA bargaining unit includes two primary classifications:
Professional unit: 12,696 engineers and scientists who support research, design, development, testing, and maintenance.
Technical unit: 3,959 employees who provide analytical support to engineering and scientific teams.
Boeing union rejects contract offer, could go on strike in October
Boeing engineers and technical workers rejected the company's latest contract offer and voted to authorize a potential strike that could begin in October.
At the time, some aviation experts expressed mixed opinions on SPEEA's decision to reject Boeing's offer.
"There is new management at Boeing, so obviously I think there's a little bit of flexing of muscle here, but a strike is in no one's benefit long term, and I'm pretty certain there won't be a strike in October," said Mike Dunlop, who has worked directly and indirectly with Boeing for 40 years said. "This is the wrong time for industrial action when Boeing has an order book that is almost eight years of production, including increased production and opening up a new 737 line."
What's next:
SPEEA will set the schedule and parameters for the upcoming ratification vote.
The Source: Information for this story came from a news release sent to FOX 13 by officials within the SPEEA.
MORE NEWS FROM FOX 13 SEATTLE
‘Unaffordable to serve food in Seattle’: Restaurant owner sounds alarm
Seattle mayor responds to council demand over police chief's resignation
Suspect arrested after standoff in Seattle's Crown Hill neighborhood
Deadly Belltown shootings prompt response from Seattle leaders
Super El Niño on the horizon: What record-breaking weather means for WA this winter
To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter.
Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.