Boeing and Engineers Reach Tentative Strike Settlement
The Boeing Co. said it had reached a tentative settlement agreement with the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA), which, if ratified, could end a bitter strike that began in February.
The mediated settlement talks took place over two days in Washington, D.C. The proposed settlement comes after nearly five months of negotiations and a strike that is now in its 38th day.
"The Boeing negotiating team entered these settlement talks seeking an agreement that would result in an end to the strike and a return to work for all Boeing engineering and technical employees," Boeing Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Phil Condit said in a statement. "We are pleased to have reached this agreement with the SPEEA bargaining committee and hope that all SPEEA members give this agreement their full consideration."
The company would not comment on the details of the tentative agreement until members of SPEEA vote on the three-year pact March 19, and union leaders recommended approval.
According to a newswire report, the union said the deal includes guaranteed wage increases of at least 9 percent over the life of the contract as well as cash bonuses of up to $2,500, a key issue in a strike that had grown increasingly rancorous since it began Feb. 9.
The union said Boeing dropped its demand for first-time employee co-payments toward health insurance premiums, and agreed to extend coverage to unmarried domestic partners of the affected workers.
''We wanted respect for our contributions and a better future for our families and our company,'' SPEEA executive director Charles Bofferding said in a statement. ''We believe the tentative agreement ... delivers on those demands and can make a strong company stronger.''
The union represents about 22,350 Boeing employees, most of who are located in Washington. SPEEA leaders have said more than 17,000 employees went on strike in the Seattle area. Boeing estimates put the number at 15,000.
The union said picketing would continue until the pact is ratified.