Key facts
- Boeing posted contractor positions for engineering and technical roles.
- SPEEA members rejected Boeing's contract offer.
- Boeing's current contract with SPEEA expires on October 6.
- A strike could delay certification of the 737 MAX 10 and 777-9 aircraft.
- Boeing is implementing contingency plans to ensure business continuity.
Boeing has posted contractor positions for engineering and technical roles, indicating a potential escalation in its labor dispute with the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA) at its commercial airplane division. The move follows SPEEA members' overwhelming rejection of Boeing's contract offer on Friday. The current contract is set to expire on October 6, and the company has stated it is implementing a contingency plan in case of a strike.
A work stoppage by SPEEA's 17,000 members could further delay the certification of Boeing's 737 MAX 10 and 777-9 aircraft, which are already behind schedule. These delays impact the entry of two of Boeing's key new commercial jets into service and could hinder the company's recovery from recent quality and safety issues, particularly following a mid-air incident involving a 737 MAX in January 2024.
SPEEA spokesman Bryan Corliss expressed hope for a resolution but acknowledged that both sides appear to be preparing for a strike. He suggested Boeing's actions might be an attempt to undermine worker solidarity. Boeing declined to comment on the specific job postings but reiterated its desire to reach an agreement and its contingency planning to ensure business continuity, emphasizing safety and quality.
Boeing has experienced significant labor disputes in the past, with previous contract negotiations with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) resulting in extended strikes in both its commercial and defense divisions.