Boeing Engineers Reject Contract Offer as Strike Risk Rises Amid Production Challenges

Boeing's engineers and technical workers have rejected a four-year contract offer from the company. The proposal, which was voted on by members of the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA), included wage increases that could reach about 32% over four years. However, workers raised concerns about inflation adjustments, outsourcing, and compensation levels.

The professional unit rejected the proposal by a 64% margin, while the technical unit rejected it by about 72%, according to SPEEA. The union represents approximately 17,000 Boeing workers. With the contract set to expire in October, SPEEA members have authorized the union's negotiating team to call a strike.

Boeing has activated a contingency plan in response to the vote and has not scheduled additional negotiations with the union. The company has stated that it will maintain its momentum while implementing the contingency plan. Boeing Vice President Ben Nimmergut said, 'We have no choice but to implement our contingency plan and have a responsibility to our workforce and customers to maintain our momentum.'