Boeing issued this statement:
Boeing on September 8 reached a tentative agreement on a historic contract offer with IAM Districts 751 & W24, which represent 33,000+ Boeing employees. See www.boeing.com/IAM2024 for details.
Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Stephanie Pope shared the following in a video message to employees:
“We’ve heard what’s important to you for the new contract. And we have reached a tentative agreement with the union on a historic offer that takes care of you and your family. The contract offer provides the largest-ever general wage increase, lower medical cost share to make healthcare more affordable, greater company contributions toward your retirement, and improvements for a better work-life balance.
Just as important, this contract deepens our commitment to the Pacific Northwest. Boeing’s roots are here in Washington. It is where generations of workers have built incredible airplanes that connect the world. And it’s why we’re excited that, as part of the contract, our team in the Puget Sound region will build Boeing’s next new airplane. This would go along with our other flagship models, meaning job security for generations to come. It’s a big commitment to you and to our community.”
About Boeing’s IAM 751 & W24 workforce:
- More than 33,000 employees are represented by IAM 751 primarily in Washington and W24 in Portland, Ore. There is also a small group of employees in California.
- While primarily supporting airplane production for Commercial Airplanes and Defense, Space & Security (737 MAX, 767, 777/777X, P-8, KC-46A Tanker, E-7 Wedgetail), the bargaining unit also includes employees in Global Services and Corporate functions.
- This is the first full negotiation between Boeing and IAM 751 & W24 in 16 years. After ratification of a new contract in 2008, employees approved two contract extensions in 2011 and 2014. The current 8-year extension began in 2016.
Meanwhile, IAM District 751 issued this statement:
After 16 years, we finally got back to the bargaining table to fight for what you deserve and bargain the full agreement. In that time, the world has changed, and so have we. You sent us here to stand strong for your priorities, and we are proud to have done so. The marches, the solidarity, the strength you’ve shown on the floor have fueled us every step of the way.
This contract isn’t just words on paper; it’s a testament to your collective voice. Every demand, every priority that we brought to the table, carried the weight of your strength. The company knew we were only the conduit for your priorities.
Negotiations are a give and take, and although there was no way to achieve success on every single item, we can honestly say that this proposal is the best contract we’ve negotiated in our history.
This offer includes substantial raises, including 25% GWIs over the life of the agreement, job security, and a future for us all. We secured the next commercial airplane program if launched during the life of the agreement, for our members in Puget Sound and Portland. Healthcare cost share is lowered, and retirement security is enhanced by adding an additional employer paid benefit. Members will now have only one set of progression steps in a career, and vacation will be available for use as you earn it. We were able to secure upgrades for certain job codes and improved overtime limits, and we now have a seat at the table regarding the safety and quality of the production system.
Financially, the company finds itself in a tough position due to many self-inflicted missteps. It is IAM members who will bring this company back on track. As has been said many times, there is no Boeing without the IAM. Ultimately, we love this company and couldn’t be more proud of the jobs we do or the products we build. What we do defines who we are – these crafts are our livelihoods. When a plane leaves the factory, it’s our reputation on the line. This proposal helps keep our legacy alive.
That is why your Union Bargaining Committee is recommending accepting this proposal.
We heard our members loud and clear in every email, rally, and conversation. Members stood tall with confidence. Finally, in a position of great leverage, we used every ounce of power we could to go after everything you said was important. We did not get everything we wanted, but you all can be proud of your Strength, Solidarity, and Unity because you have achieved the best contract we have ever had. An agreement that sets the bar for everyone else in the industry to strive for. We know that you all were ready to strike – ready to sacrifice for each other. We are so proud of you. Thank you for sending the message that we needed to give us the leverage to achieve this win.
Take these next few days and look over every change in this proposal prior to your vote on September 12th. Whatever you decide, know that your Union stands with you. We are prepared to fight if needed, but we believe this proposal will benefit all our Members and Our Future.
This vote is now in your hands, as it should be
In Unity,
Your Union Negotiating Team
Jon Holden Brandon Bryant
IAM District 751 President/DBR W24 President/DBR
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