Boeing aims to avoid strikes with contract to build next new jet in Washington

Union members at Boeing will vote on a new tentative agreement negotiated between the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 751 and the planemaker.  

On September 8, 2024, Boeing and District 751 announced that IAM members will vote on a deal that includes a commitment to build the next new aircraft in the Puget Sound region, Washington.  

More than 33,000 employees represented by IAM 751 primarily in Washington and W24 in Portland will have a chance to look over the proposal in the coming days before voting on September 12, 2024.  

Boeing hopes the tentative deal will be accepted with the threat of strikes posing another major headache for the company in a year that has been fraught with difficulties following an incident on January 5, 2024, when a door plug separated from an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 shortly after takeoff.  

“We’ve heard what’s important to you for the new contract. And we have reached a tentative agreement with the union on a historic offer that takes care of you and your family. The contract offer provides the largest-ever general wage increase, lower medical cost share to make healthcare more affordable, greater company contributions toward your retirement, and improvements for a better work-life balance,” Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Stephanie Pope said in a video message to staff.  

Pope added: “Just as important, this contract deepens our commitment to the Pacific Northwest. Boeing’s roots are here in Washington. It is where generations of workers have built incredible airplanes that connect the world. And it’s why we’re excited that, as part of the contract, our team in the Puget Sound region will build Boeing’s next new airplane. This would go along with our other flagship models, meaning job security for generations to come. It’s a big commitment to you and to our community.” 

The new negotiations came 16 years after a 2008 contract was extended in 2016 and appeared to be heading for stalemate after six months of talks between the two sides.  

IAM District 751 hailed the agreement in a message to union members, although admitting that there was “no way to achieve success on every single item”. 

Included in the proposed deal is a 25% pay increase for all staff over four years, a reduction in health-care costs and Boeing increasing its contribution towards retirement security.  

“We heard our members loud and clear in every email, rally, and conversation. Members stood tall with confidence. Finally, in a position of great leverage, we used every ounce of power we could to go after everything you said was important. We did not get everything we wanted, but you all can be proud of your Strength, Solidarity, and Unity because you have achieved the best contract we have ever had,” District 751 said in a statement. 

The union added: “An agreement that sets the bar for everyone else in the industry to strive for. We know that you all were ready to strike – ready to sacrifice for each other. We are so proud of you. Thank you for sending the message that we needed to give us the leverage to achieve this win.” 

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AirportbyIan MolyneauxSeptember 9, 2024

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