Around 1,600 former Spirit AeroSystems workers have reached a tentative agreement with Boeing as part of a new collective bargaining agreement since the American aircraft manufacturer acquired Spirit Aerosystems on December 8 last year. The negotiating team has unanimously recommended that all members approve the current offer.

As reported by KWCH, the offer is expected to give all 1,600 employees improved medical and dental benefits, additional vacation time, and additional salary pools, which lead to raises. This will see the Spirit Aerosystems workers join other Boeing union and non-union workers enjoying this collection of benefits.

20% Increase To Wage Pools

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As part of the agreement, the WTPU includes a total of 20% increase to current wage pools spanning 58 months, ensuring that individuals will receive a minimum annual raise of around 2%, in addition to any improvements decided through their annual performance reviews. Additionally, wage pools will see an aggregate increase of 5% in July 2026, 3.5% in March 2027, 4% in March 2028, 3.5% in March 2029, and 4% in March 2030.

Promotional funds will also be boosted by 50% overall, including increases of 0.50% to 0.75% yearly, and those unspent promotional funds will be able to roll over in the following year. James Hatfield, who chaired the union’s negotiation tea,m explains:

More Benefits

Credit: Spirit AeroSystems

Additional benefits will include a $6,000 ratification bonus, which employees can select to be deposited into 401k subject to IRS limits, and annual performance payouts that are targeted to around 7%, an improvement from the current 6%. The maximum will expand from 12% to 14%. From 2027, all workers will also receive 10% 401K match if they also contribute to their retirement scheme.

Vacation days will also be boosted, with an average of six additional paid days off per year, depending on the tenure of the employee, in addition to floating holiday, parental, military, and adoption leave. Amendments to the medical insurance will see the WTPU employees save up to $7,000 annually, depending on the chosen plan.

The negotiation team acting on behalf of the 1,600 former Spirit Aerosystems workers has cited that the current proposal reaches most points that were to be addressed, and believes that the improved offering should be approved by all of those that they represent. Members will now have until 5;00 pm on January 30 to review and vote on the current offer. This will be undertaken electronically through a secure voting system.

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Representing More Than 1,600 Former Spirit Aerosystems Workers

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The vote will go for a simple majority for those who are dues-paying members who vote. If approved and ratified, the new terms are expected to take effect from February 1. The Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA) WTPU currently represents 1,600 aerospace professionals who work at Boeing’s latest Spirit Aerosystems Wichita operations. These individuals, who primarily work in non-engineering roles, have been working on a six-year contract that is scheduled to expire on January 31.

Additionally, the SPEEA also represents up to 1,000 engineers who work for Boeing Wichita, who have already worked through separate bargaining agreements and ratified and agreed to these in the first half of 2024. The SPEEA also looks after 19,000 engineers and other technical workers across Boeing sites in the states of Washington, Oregon, Kansas, California, and Utah.

Boeing acquired Spirit AeroSystems late last year to regain additional control of their supply chain manufacturer of critical parts, following a number of major quality and safety issues. The acquisition looks to reverse decades of outsourcing by the American plane maker, and improve production oversight, stability,y and other safety protocols.