Boeing Engineers Reject Contracts, Authorize Strike

Boeing engineers and technical professionals have rejected the company's proposed four-year contracts, paving the way for a potential strike. In a vote held on Friday, members of the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA) overwhelmingly authorized their leaders to call a strike if negotiations fail before the current agreements expire on October 6.

The Professional Unit, which covers engineers and scientists, saw 64.25% of valid ballots reject the offer, with 7,238 votes against and 4,027 in favor. Strike authorization passed with 87.82% support, or 9,516 yes votes. In the Technical Unit, representing technicians, analysts, designers, and specialists, 71.87% rejected the proposal, with 2,795 no votes to 1,094 yes. Strike authorization cleared with 89.71% approval, or 3,348 yes votes.

The company had presented a best-and-final offer in late July, which included a 3% general wage increase upon ratification, retroactive to February 20, 2026. Boeing also proposed annual salary adjustment funds starting at 7% in 2027 and settling at 5.5% thereafter, as well as a guaranteed minimum raise tied to inflation but capped at 3%. The union had called the wage pools the largest since 1983, projecting compounded increases of about 29.4% to 31.9% when including promotions and out-of-sequence adjustments.

The company expressed disappointment with the vote results, saying it would divert funds previously earmarked for the SPEEA workforce to prepare for a potential strike. Boeing also released a statement that 'we have no choice but to implement our strike contingency plan,' which includes activating its contingency plan and preparing for a potential strike.