Boeing engineers and technicians reject contract offer, strike possible in October

Boeing engineers and technicians have voted down separate contract offers from the company. The votes came from two units of the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace, representing close to 17,000 members combined, including engineers, scientists, technicians and analysts.

The Professional Unit, made up largely of engineers and scientists, rejected its offer by 64%. The Technical Unit, covering designers, technicians and specialists, voted 71% against.

Both units also authorized a strike, according to the union. SPEEA said members raised concerns over job security and pay that has not kept pace with inflation and market rates. Members also worried that production schedules were being put ahead of quality and safety.

The union said its negotiating team would spend the coming weeks trying to reach a better agreement that reflects members' concerns. The current contract runs until October 6. Any work stoppage could not begin before October 7.

Boeing said in a statement that no further talks with SPEEA are currently scheduled. The company said it hopes to reach a resolution before the contract lapses, but added that it has a responsibility to its wider workforce and customers. Boeing said it is preparing contingency plans to maintain deliveries should a strike occur.

The vote adds another layer of labor uncertainty for Boeing, which has faced repeated disputes with unionized employees in recent years over pay, benefits and working conditions.