Boeing and SPEEA agree revised four-year contract as strike deadline nears

Boeing and the leaders of the union representing about 17,000 engineers and other professional employees have agreed on a second proposed four-year contract. The manufacturer revised its offer after members rejected the first one. The Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace said on 11 September that it recommends members approve the new terms, citing improvements. The two sides disclosed the broad outlines the same day.

Approval is not assured. Members must still vote, and no date for that ballot has been set. The agreement was reached with a countdown running: union members become free to strike on 7 October if no deal is concluded.

The proposal would raise wages 10% effective 16 October, followed by a 4% increase in March 2027 and annual increases of 4% to 6% in 2028, 2029 and 2030. The union said the combined effect could reach a 36% wage increase over four years. Boeing's earlier offer would have produced a 29.4% rise over the same period. SPEEA members voted down that previous agreement on 21 August, with higher wages the central demand.

Boeing vice-president and functional chief engineer for production engineering Ben Nimmergut said the final offer addresses priorities identified by employees and the union's bargaining teams, including an immediate wage increase and larger guaranteed wage pools. He said the company is optimistic the deal will let both sides focus on the work ahead.

SPEEA represents engineers and other professional staff across the Pacific Northwest, including Washington and Oregon, as well as in California and Utah. About 13,000 of its members are engineers and scientists. The outcome remains open until members cast their votes.