Workers employed by Boeing in the USA have voted to accept a new pay deal worth 38% over the next four years.
The 33,000 front-line workers, who are based in Washington, Oregon and California, are members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) union. They will return to work this week, after 59% of them voted in favour of the new deal, which includes changes to their retirement plans and a one-off $12,000 (£9,222) bonus, which they can choose to receive in their pay, as a contribution to their 401(k), or both.
The workers’ strike action lasted nearly two months as the union sought reassurances around pension plans and working conditions. The employees rejected a 25% pay rise over four years, as well as a second offer last month, which consisted of a 35% pay rise over the same period.
Kelly Ortberg, president and chief executive officer at Boeing, said: “We were pleased to reach a ratified agreement. While the past few months have been difficult for all of us, we are all part of the same team. We will only move forward by listening and working together. There is much work ahead to return to the excellence that made Boeing an iconic organisation. This is an important time in our history, and like generations before us, we will face into the moment together, and stronger as one team.”
Brian Bryant, international president at IAM, added: “This agreement represents a new standard in the aerospace industry, one that sends a clear statement that aerospace jobs must be middle class careers in which workers can thrive. This agreement reflects the positive results of workers sticking together, participating in workplace democracy, and demonstrating solidarity with each other and with the community during a necessary and effective strike.
“A contract like this sends an inspiring message to all workers in the US who are seeking to join unions or who have been shortchanged by their employer. We remain thankful to acting labor secretary Julie Su, who, on behalf of the Biden-Harris administration, helped to bring the employer and the members together for productive talks to reach this agreement.”
