Boeing Engineers and Technicians Reject Tentative Agreement, Authorize Strike

Boeing's latest contract offer has been rejected by engineers and technicians represented by the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA). The tentative agreement, which Boeing labeled as its 'Best and Final Offer' (BAFO), was voted down by engineers with a 64.3% rejection rate, while technicians rejected it by an even wider margin of 71.9%. Both groups authorized a strike if new contracts are not approved by October 6, when the current contracts expire.

The SPEEA union members' overwhelming vote to reject the contract offers came despite their negotiating teams recommending approval. Boeing's negotiation team praised the talks for being 'collaborative and civil.' However, SPEEA leadership stated that it became clear to them during the negotiations that union members deeply mistrust Boeing management.

With the rejection of the tentative agreement, the SPEEA leadership will take a few days to survey their members before asking Boeing for new talks. The union's statement emphasized that they are prepared to call for a labor stoppage if necessary. Boeing made its 'Best and Final Offer' after less than a month of negotiations.