Boeing secures tentative labor deal with former Spirit AeroSystems workers

A union representing about 1,600 white-collarworkersat fuselage supplierSpiritAeroSystemssaid on Thursday that it has reached atentativeagreement withBoeingon a new collective bargaining contract.

The negotiation team for the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace’s (SPEEA) non-engineering unit in Wichita, Kansas, unanimously recommended that members approveBoeing’s proposal.

Boeingcompleted its $4.7 billiontakeoverofSpiritAeroSystemson Dec. 8, and contract talks started after thedealclosed due tolaborlaw restrictions.

The planemaker’s offer “gives us better medical benefits, better dental benefits, more vacation time and a decent set of salary pools for raises,” said James Hatfield, who chaired the union’s negotiation team.

Boeing’s proposal included a 20% increase to wage pools over around five years, a 50% annual increase in promotional funds, a $6,000 ratification bonus, and a 10% 401(k) match starting in 2027, according to the SPEEA.

“We’re pleased the union’s bargaining committee has fully endorsed our Best and Final Offer that would give our teammates higher wages, better benefits and more time off. We encourage our employees to vote ‘yes’,” aBoeingspokesperson said.

Union members have until 5 pm on January 30 to review the offer and vote on the proposal, according to the union. The current six-year contract is due to expire on Jan. 31, 2026.

Talks betweenBoeingand SPEEA werepausedtill Jan. 5, with negotiators criticizingBoeingfor being unprepared for talks.