Boeing factory workers have agreed to end a seven-week strike after union members accepted the latest labour contract offer, bringing much-needed relief to the US plane maker following the work stoppage that stretched its finances and paralysed most of its jet production.
The IAM District 751 union and W24 Machinists said on Tuesday morning that 59 per cent of workers accepted Boeing's latest contract, which offers a 38 per cent pay increase spread over four years.
Workers can return to work as early as the first shift on November 6 for those who seek to return as quickly as possible, but must return to their work by the beginning of the shift on November 12, the union said.
Boeing's chief executive Kelly Ortberg, in a message to employees after the vote, said that he was pleased that the workers agreed to a deal.
“While the past few months have been difficult for all of us, we are all part of the same team,” he said. “We will only move forward by listening and working together. There is much work ahead to return to the excellence that made Boeing an iconic company.”
US President Joe Biden congratulated Boeing and the union for coming to an agreement that “reflects the hard work and sacrifices of 33,000 Machinist workers.”
The contract “improves workers' ability to retire with dignity and supports fairness at the workplace. This contract is also important for Boeing's future as a critical part of America's aerospace sector,” he said.
“It was achieved with the support of my economic team, including Acting Labour Secretary Julie Su and national economic adviser Lael Brainard,” Mr Biden added as Americans were heading to vote in the presidential election.
The end of the strike and the return to work marks the end of a major obstacle in the US plane manufacturer's efforts to restore its operations and finances.
More to follow …