Jan 15 (Reuters) – A union representing about 1,600 white-collar workers at fuselage supplier Spirit AeroSystems said on Thursday that it has reached a tentative agreement with Boeing on a new collective bargaining contract.
The negotiation team for the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace’s (SPEEA) non-engineering unit in Wichita, Kansas, unanimously recommended that members approve Boeing’s proposal.
Boeing completed its $4.7 billion takeover of Spirit AeroSystems on December 8, and contract talks started after the deal closed due to labor law restrictions.
The planemaker’s offer “gives us better medical benefits, better dental benefits, more vacation time and a decent set of salary pools for raises,” said James Hatfield, who chaired the union’s negotiation team.
Boeing’s proposal included a 20% increase to wage pools over around five years, a 50% annual increase in promotional funds, a $6,000 ratification bonus, and a 10% 401(k) match starting in 2027, according to the SPEEA.
“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’,” a Boeing spokesperson said.
Union members have until 5 pm on January 30 to review the offer and vote on the proposal, according to the union. The current six-year contract is due to expire on January 31, 2026.
Talks between Boeing and SPEEA were paused till January 5, with negotiators criticizing Boeing for being unprepared for talks.
(Reporting by Chandni Shah in Bengaluru and Allison Lampert in Montreal; Additional reporting by Abu Sultan in Bengaluru; Editing by Sherry Jacob-Phillips)
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