Boeing workers reject contract, authorize strike

Investing.com - Boeing (NYSE: BA) workers rejected a contract offer and authorized a strike in a vote completed Friday, adding pressure to the aerospace manufacturer as it navigates ongoing production and safety challenges.

The Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace said its 17,000 members at Boeing facilities in Washington and nearby states voted down the proposed contract, with 64% of the professional unit and nearly 72% of the technical unit rejecting the offer. The professional unit represents about 13,000 engineers and scientists, while the technical unit represents about 4,000 analysts, technicians, planners and specialists.

Strike authorization passed with nearly 88% support in the professional unit and nearly 90% in the technical unit. The union said it will seek to resume negotiations with Boeing but is prepared to call for a work stoppage. Any strike would not begin until the current contract expires Oct. 6.

Boeing and SPEEA began contract negotiations on July 1, marking the first full negotiations between the parties in nearly 14 years. The negotiations will result in two collective bargaining agreements representing SPEEA's two largest units.

The union said it created a survey for members to clarify what improvements would be needed for acceptance, with results to be shared after the survey closes at 3 p.m. Pacific Time on Wednesday, Aug. 26. The union cited member concerns including jobs moving out of state, quality and safety issues, and salaries failing to keep pace with inflation and the aerospace job market.

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