Key facts
- Boeing and SPEEA negotiators will meet Monday to resume contract discussions.
- SPEEA members overwhelmingly rejected Boeing's latest contract offer.
- Union members prioritize larger, immediate guaranteed wage increases.
- Better annual performance-based raises are the second priority for union members.
- SPEEA represents approximately 17,000 to 20,000 engineers and technical workers.
Negotiators for Boeing and its largest white-collar union, the Society of Professional Engineering Employees Association (SPEEA), are scheduled to meet on Monday to resume contract discussions. SPEEA, which represents approximately 17,000 to 20,000 engineers and technical workers, overwhelmingly rejected Boeing's latest contract proposal last week.
Union members surveyed indicated that their top priority is larger and immediate guaranteed wage increases from Boeing. The second highest priority is more money for annual performance-based raises, followed by better annual cost-of-living adjustments.
Previously, SPEEA members voted to reject Boeing's contract proposal and approved a strike authorization measure. Boeing had offered a 29.4% aggregate wage pool increase over four years, along with other benefits. Despite the company's offer, which was described as the largest wage-pool increase since 1983, a significant majority of both the professional and technical units voted against it and in favor of a strike. Boeing had stated it would implement its contingency plan in response to the rejection.