Boeing White-Collar Workers Ratify New Contract Offer

Boeing's white-collar workers have ratified a new contract offer, averting a potentially costly strike that could have impacted the production of several key aircraft models. The deal was negotiated between Boeing and the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA), which represents engineers, scientists, technicians, and pilots.

The union said that a majority of its members voted to accept the new contract proposal, which includes an average pay increase of 32% over four years. This is up from a rejected offer earlier this year, which included a 5% higher pay raise than the current deal. Workers will also receive an immediate 10% pay raise.

Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg had warned that a strike by SPEEA-represented employees could have significantly hampered production capacity and delayed certification of several aircraft models, including the 777-9. The company is currently in the final stages of bringing its 737 Max 7 and Max 10 narrowbody aircraft to market.

Ben Nimmergut, a Boeing vice president, said that the planemaker was 'pleased' with the outcome of the vote and looked forward to working with its team to support Boeing's continued recovery.