Boeing Engineers Threaten Strike, Jeopardizing 777X Certification
Boeing's engineers and technical staff, represented by the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA), are at risk of going on strike. The group of approximately 17,000 workers is working under contracts that expire on October 6, 2026.
The SPEEA rejected an offer from Boeing in August and authorized a strike with a vote of roughly 88%. In response, Boeing put forward an improved proposal on September 11, 2026, which includes a 10% general wage increase. A ratification vote is expected within the coming weeks.
Chief Executive Kelly Ortberg warned that a strike would freeze the certification process for the 777X program, which could have significant knock-on effects for production. Boeing cannot afford a strike, and a delay in certification could stall progress expensively and give investors doubts about the company's ability to execute.