Boeing Plays Hardball as SPEEA Strike Looms

Boeing has upped the ante in its contract dispute with SPEEA, the union representing 17,000 engineers, scientists, and technical workers. The aerospace giant had offered the largest wage increases in 40 years to the white-collar union, but members voted overwhelmingly to reject them and approve a strike.

In response, Boeing withdrew perks promised for 2026, including an immediate 3% guaranteed wage increase retroactive to February and a 40% hike to potential annual incentive payouts. According to Ben Nimmergut, Boeing's vice president and functional chief engineer for production engineering, these dollars will now be diverted to prepare for a potential strike.

The move comes after SPEEA members rejected the contract offer, which included significant raises in exchange for early approval of the new collective bargaining agreement. The union's decision has left Boeing no choice but to divert funds intended for 2026 perks to deal with the potential consequences of a strike.