(The Center Square) – Striking Boeing machinists voted Monday to approve the aerospace company’s most recent contract offer, ending a strike that lasted nearly two months. The contract was approved by 59% of those who cast ballots.
Monday marked day 52 of the Boeing strike for 33,000 machinists.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers District 751 President Jon Holden has urged a yes vote and warned workers that if they vote to reject the deal, then Boeing’s next offer won’t be as generous.
“This is a victory, we can hold our heads high,” Holden said Monday night in announcing the union’s decision. “I’m proud of this membership; you stood strong and you stood tall and you won.”
The voting began at 7 a.m. and ended at 7 p.m.
As previously reported by The Center Square, Boeing’s latest offer came last Thursday following mediation assistance from acting U.S. Labor Secretary Julie Su, who was also involved in previous talks.
The offer includes a 38% general wage increase over four years – 13%, 9%, 9%, 7% – which compounds to 43.65% over the life of the agreement.
It also includes a $12,000 ratification payment, and an annual bonus incentive plan with a guaranteed minimum payout of 4%.
Boeing will provide a 100% 401k match up to 8%.
Healthcare premiums are also reduced, but the offer does not reinstate a pension program, which many machinists who rejected previous offers said they would hold out for.
Boeing has also promised to build its next plane in the Seattle area, but only if members accept the contract offer.
The strike began Sept. 13 when members initially rejected Boeing’s offer to raise pay by 25% over four years.
On Oct 23, machinists voted down a second offer of 35% raises over four years.
A post from the union said a simple majority of those voting will determine the outcome and if the vote passes, workers can return to work as early as first shift on Wednesday, Nov. 6, but must return to work by the beginning of shift on Tuesday, Nov. 12.
The strike has been costly for the company with Boeing posting a brutal third-quarter net loss of more than $6 billion last month.
