WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — Another Wichita aviation company contract may soon be decided. On Friday, the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA) announced a tentative agreement for its more than 1,000 engineers at Spirit AeroSystems.
In addition to potential pay increases, it includes wording to protect engineers who report safety issues.
The SPEEA bargaining unit says the agreement:
- Increases the amount of money available for wage increases for Spirit engineers by at least 19% over four years, with provisions for greater increases if needed to keep up with market conditions.
- Includes a guaranteed minimum 5% bonus in the spring of 2025,
- Raises the amount Spirit will contribute to the vast majority of workers’ 401(k) retirement funds in 2026,
- Improves time off for vacations or sick leave and paid leave for new parents,
- Includes a letter of understanding defining a new quality partnership between Spirit, SPEEA and the Federal Aviation Administration and
- Includes a second letter that would assist in preventing retaliation against engineers who report quality or safety problems.
“While negotiations always involve give and take, the team unanimously recommends the offer based on the significant improvements in key areas, including wages, benefits and work-life balance,” said Rich Plunkett, SPEEA’s director of strategic development and the lead spokesperson for the negotiating team.
SPEEA will post the complete contract offer on its website next week for the engineers to review. Starting the week of Nov. 18, it will also hold lunchtime meetings to discuss the details.
The vote will be by mail. The ballots go out on Nov. 14 and are due back by Nov. 25. Only dues-paying members can vote.
SPEEA also represents 1,600 professional and technical workers at Spirit. They work under a separate contract that expires in January 2026.