Contract Ratified With 74 Percent Of Vote

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) announced late Saturday its members voted to ratify a new 4-year contract with Boeing by 74 percent... bringing an end to a 57-day walkout that idled the planemaker's facilities in Washington, Oregon, Kansas, and California.

"Our Union has delivered what few Americans have -- economic certainty and quality benefits for the next four years. Each of you stood up and did your part to win this battle," said District 751 President Tom Wroblewski. "Your solidarity brought Boeing back to the table and made this Company address your issues. After 57 days of striking, we have gained important and substantial improvements over the Company's offer that was rejected on September 3. I am proud to be a member of the Machinists Union and want to thank our members for their solidarity and commitment."

"This contract gives the workers at Boeing an opportunity to share in the extraordinary success this Company has achieved over the past several years," said Aerospace Coordinator Mark Blondin. "It also recognizes the need to act with foresight to protect the next generation of aerospace jobs. These members helped make Boeing the company it is today, and they have every right to be a part of its future."

Machinists will begin returning to work as early as Sunday, for third shift employees. First and second shift workers may report to their jobs Monday. Per the Settlement Agreement, members have until the beginning of their shift on Monday, November 10 to return to work.

"We're looking forward to having our team back together to resume the work of building airplanes for our customers," said Scott Carson (right), Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO. "This new contract addresses the union's job security issues while enabling Boeing to retain the flexibility needed to run the business. It rewards employees for their contribution to our success with industry-leading pay and benefits and allows us to remain competitive."

The contract calls for general wage increases of 15 percent over four years, an immediate 16 percent pension increase and lump-sum payments of at least $8,000 over the life of the agreement.

The new contract is for four years -- longer than Boeing has typically negotiated with the IAM, but shorter than the five-year deal IAM leadership held out for in earlier talks.

FMI: www.iam751.org, www.boeing.com