Boeing's White-Collar Union Members Question Proposed Contract

Boeing's white-collar union members are voting on a contract offer that some say doesn't meet their needs. The Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA) represents 17,000 workers in Washington and nearby states. The proposed contract includes a 3% general wage increase upon ratification, retroactive to February 20, 2026.

The next four years are variable, with each year including a percentage increase to a 'salary adjustment fund' tied to inflation and individual performance. However, the bump for inflation is capped at 3%, and if the cost of living decreases, the entire salary adjustment fund will be distributed based on performance.

Many SPEEA members feel that the proposed contract doesn't keep up with the rising cost of living or compare to what their blue-collar peers received last year. They also worry about leaving raises up to the discretion of managers, citing past experience where high performers didn't receive fair share of the pool.

The vote is taking place from August 13-21, and while Boeing's negotiating team says the contract offer responds to members' requests, some workers are calling for a strike authorization vote to be added to the ballot. This could allow the union's negotiating team to call for a strike after the current contract expires on October 6.