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Boeing firefighters voted on Thursday to approve a new four-year contract deal, effectively ending the planemaker’s weeks-long lockout.
The approval comes after Boeing locked out members of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local I-66 in Washington state in early May following the rejection of two contract offers.
Terms of the Deal:
The newly approved four-year deal includes several key provisions to boost wages and improve working conditions for firefighters. It entails general wage hikes of 2% to 3% annually and guaranteed overtime increases that could raise annual pay by up to $21,216 on average.
Additionally, firefighters will receive a $1,000 signing bonus and other compensation improvements. Restructuring job classifications will provide more opportunities for promotion and significantly reduce the time needed to reach top pay levels.
Company Response:
Boeing expressed satisfaction with the ratification of the new contract and looks forward to the firefighters returning to work.
However, the company did not disclose the additional financial implications of the deal or respond to inquiries regarding this matter. In May, Boeing had offered to increase firefighters’ average take-home pay to $112,000 in the first year from $91,000.
Context and Considerations:
The negotiation process was challenging, with the ongoing talks involving the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, representing over 30,000 workers involved in building Boeing’s 737 MAX jets, influencing discussions.
The agreement brings firefighters’ wages into a comparable range with fire departments in the area.
Production Concerns:
Meanwhile, Boeing’s 737 MAX production has faced setbacks, notably with the Federal Aviation Administration intensifying factory checks following a panel blowout incident on a new Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 in January.
Boeing recently met with the FAA to discuss its 90-day plan to enhance quality and address production issues.
