WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — Boeing and the machinists’ union representing thousands of striking workers have reached a new contract proposal that could end a strike that’s lasted over a month.
The Associated Press and NBC News report the ratification vote is set for Wednesday, Oct. 23. The new proposal includes 35% wage increases over four years, a higher signing bonus of $7,000, guaranteed minimum payouts in an annual bonus program and higher 401(k) contributions among other changes.
Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Julie Su met with both parties earlier this week.
“With the help of Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Julie Su, we have received a negotiated proposal and resolution to end the strike, and it warrants presenting to the members and is worthy of your consideration,” the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers District 751 said in a statement Saturday.
The strike began Sept. 13 after more than 30,000 machinists overwhelmingly rejected a tentative agreement that included 25% wage increases over four years. Boeing later made a sweetened offer, but the union blasted it, saying it was not negotiated.
The announcement of the vote comes a day after Boeing’s biggest supplier of aircraft components, Spirit AeroSystems, said it will temporarily furlough approximately 700 workers for 21 days starting October 28.
Employees who are affected work on the Boeing 767 and 777 programs. Spirit said the furloughs are necessary because they don’t have any more space to store additional fuselages. Spirit warned it would have to resort to layoffs and more furloughs if the strike by Boeing machinists lasts beyond November.
Spirit spokesperson Joe Buccino told KSN Saturday there’s no update on Friday’s announcement, but an end to the strike would cause them to revisit the furlough.
“We have no updates on yesterday’s announcement of furloughs,” Buccino said. “Should the strike end, we will revisit the necessity of furloughs.”
