Boeing SPEEA Engineers Ratify Four-Year Contract, Averting October 7 Strike

Boeing's largest white-collar union ratified a four-year contract on Thursday, averting a strike that threatened to slow production and delay certification of two long-delayed jets. The Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA), representing roughly 17,000 workers, said the professional unit voted 67.62% in favor, while the technical unit approved the deal with 53.48% support. The agreement delivers an immediate 10% pay increase, guarantees 4% annual raises, and allows up to a further 2% bump based on individual performance. Ratification removes the prospect of a walkout that loomed as early as October 7, when prior contracts were set to lapse, according to Reuters. SPEEA members had rejected Boeing's initial offer—which capped inflation-linked raises at 3%—and authorized a strike by margins of 88% and nearly 90%. Boeing had activated a strike contingency plan in response. Boeing is pursuing federal certification for the 737 Max 10 and 777X, both years behind schedule. SPEEA last struck in 2000, a 40-day stoppage.