Airbus and Boeing workers ratify new contracts, ending strike risk

Airbus and Boeing workers have accepted new contract offers, lifting the immediate threat of further industrial action at both manufacturers.

Airbus said on October 1, 2026 that staff at its Spanish sites had ended months of intermittent strikes. Of the employees who voted, 76.76% backed the new agreement, on a turnout of 87%. Turnout involved 13,560 workers at facilities in Getafe, Albacete, Illescas, Seville and Cádiz, according to Europa Press. Reuters reported that the deal includes wage increases, more flexibility on holidays and a return to 40% remote working.

The company said the result would let it maintain a solid and competitive position in Spain. It acknowledged that 20.6% of voters opposed the deal and that more remained to be done to meet employees' expectations. Airbus has more than 14,000 staff across its Spanish sites.

Strikes in Spain began on August 25, 2026, after workers rejected a proposal on pay and working conditions, following an earlier round of action from July 1 to July 23. The industrial action had been paused before the ballot.

On the same day, the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace said its members had ratified four-year contract offers from Boeing. Union members had previously voted overwhelmingly in support of calling strike action if negotiations did not produce progress.