Machinists TA with Boeing

Machinists bargaining team reaches tentative agreement that ‘sets the bar’ for the industry

SEATTLE, WA (Septmber 9, 2024) — In the early hours of Sunday morning, IAM Local 751 announced a tentative agreement had been reached with Boeing just days before a September 12 strike date. The tentative agreement, recommended by the Machinists bargaining team, includes double digit raises over the life of the contract, lower healthcare costs, and a commitment from Boeing to keep any new plane program launched during the life of the contract in the Puget Sound and Portland.

The tentative agreement comes after months of bargaining and weeks of round-the-clock negotiations between the Machinists and Boeing in a downtown Seattle hotel, as well as increasing concerted activity from union members at Boeing facilities, demonstrating the workers’ willingness to strike. This is the first full negotiation of the workers’ contract since 2008.

Machinists packed T-Mobile Stadium for a strike authorization vote in July. Photo: IAM local 751

In a statement posted early Sunday morning, the union outlined some of the items contained within the 300-page document. “This offer includes substantial raises, including 25% GWIs over the life of the agreement, job security, and a future for us all. We secured the next commercial airplane program if launched during the life of the agreement, for our members in Puget Sound and Portland.”

“Healthcare cost share is lowered, and retirement security is enhanced by adding an additional employer paid benefit. Members will now have only one set of progression steps in a career, and vacation will be available for use as you earn it. We were able to secure upgrades for certain job codes and improved overtime limits, and we now have a seat at the table regarding the safety and quality of the production system.”

The union also shared that Boeing finds itself on unsure financial footing “due to many self-inflicted missteps.” Despite the challenges, this tentative agreement “sets the bar for everyone else in the industry to strive for.”

Workers will vote whether or not to accept Boeing’s offer on September 12. As soon as the tentative agreement was announced, discussion exploded on social media over its merits. While many have opinions, it is the 33,000 workers in the Puget Sound and Portland — the workers who have to work under this contract or shoulder the risk of a strike — who will decide.