Seven-Week Strike Ends as Boeing Workers Accept New Pay Deal

Seven-week Boeing machinists strike ends and workers are finally heading back to work, and they’re doing so with a hard-fought victory. With 58% of union members voting in favor, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) has secured a new contract that promises a remarkable 38% pay increase over the next four years. This strike, one of the longest and most significant in recent Boeing history, signals a turning point for the aerospace giant and a major win for workers.

What’s in the New Deal?

The approved contract isn’t just about a pay bump. On top of the 38% raise, Boeing machinists will see their wages compound by 43.65% over the life of the agreement. This landmark deal includes a one-time $12,000 ratification bonus for every union worker, plus an additional $5,000 that can go directly to their paycheck or their 401K, giving employees flexibility in how they handle this new financial boost.

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In a joint statement, Jon Holden, President of IAM District 751, and Brandon Bryant, President of District W24, emphasized the importance of the deal. “This victory is about respect and fair wages for our members who do critical work,” they said, proudly declaring, “There is no Boeing without the IAM.” Their words echo the pride and power of the workforce, underscoring the belief that Boeing’s success depends on its people – a message that resonated throughout the strike.

Boeing machinists Strike ends

While Boeing’s workers celebrate, the company itself is counting the cost. With approximately 33,000 frontline workers from Washington, Oregon, and California on the picket lines, Boeing’s daily expenses swelled. Industry insiders estimate the strike cost Boeing a staggering $100 million each day, further compounding the planemaker’s existing challenges.

CEO Kelly Ortberg struck a conciliatory tone in his address to employees, acknowledging the past months as “difficult” but expressing hope that everyone can now work together to reclaim Boeing’s legendary reputation. “We’ll only move forward by listening and working together,” Ortberg remarked, setting a clear priority for collaboration in the months ahead.

Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg shared a statement on the approval of a 4-year contract by our production and maintenance teammates here in the Pacific Northwest. pic.twitter.com/2vDDWW1OV8
— Boeing in Washington (@BoeingWA) November 5, 2024

As Boeing machinists strike ends, it brings some immediate relief for Boeing, but it’s far from a cure-all. As of September 13, when the strike began, the company was already dealing with a backlog in aircraft deliveries, with popular models like the 737, 787, and 777 facing delays. These setbacks only deepened during the strike, adding to airlines’ frustrations worldwide as they wait for deliveries.

In fact, production issues have weighed heavily on Boeing’s trajectory throughout 2024. Ortberg recently shared that delivery of the highly anticipated 777X aircraft won’t happen until 2026, a timeline adjustment that impacts Boeing’s future revenue and market position. And that’s just the beginning – production of the MAX series has faced similar hurdles, which have hampered the company’s output and customer relations.

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With tensions at an all-time high, U.S. Secretary of Labor Julie Su stepped in, playing a critical role in bridging the gap between Boeing and IAM leadership. Thanks to these efforts, workers are set to return between November 6 and 12, a transition that will give Boeing’s production lines a much-needed jumpstart. The hope is that, with everyone back on the job, Boeing can address the immense work left in the strike’s wake.

A History of Safety Concerns that Boeing Can’t Ignore

This seven-week strike isn’t Boeing’s only recent challenge. Even before workers downed tools, the company was under intense scrutiny for safety and quality issues. A high-profile incident in January 2024, where an Alaska Airlines 737-9 lost a door plug shortly after takeoff, raised alarm bells across the industry. The incident sparked Senate Committee hearings and gave rise to whistleblowers who exposed worrying practices in Boeing’s production facilities.

These safety concerns have brought additional delays, with airlines around the globe feeling the strain. As Boeing focuses on restoring production, it must also face down these lingering quality issues that have affected its relationships with customers and regulators alike.

With Boeing machinists strike ends and a historic pay deal in place, Boeing stands at a crossroads. The company has a workforce that’s more motivated than ever, and they’re coming back with a new sense of purpose and expectations. For Boeing to truly move forward, it will need to address both the operational delays and the quality concerns that have put its reputation on the line.