Striking Machinists to vote on a new contract proposal from Spirit AeroSystems


Travis Heying/The Wichita Eagle
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Matthew Kelly
Updated Tue, June 27, 2023

Striking Machinists will vote Thursday on a new four-year contract proposal with Spirit AeroSystems that union leaders say they strongly recommend.

“The parties have reached a tentative agreement with the unanimous support of the entire Local 839 bargaining committee,” International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers said in a Wednesday afternoon statement.

“This agreement addresses our members’ concerns with substantial wage increases, maintaining the CORE healthcare plan benefits that the membership insisted on, and includes no mandatory overtime.”

Last week, 79% of membership rejected Spirit’s initial contract offer and 85% voted to strike, prompting the company to cease production. Workers started picketing Saturday.

The new offer would preserve workers’ existing healthcare benefits, including prescription coverage.

The new proposal also includes a guaranteed 20% wage increase over four years compared to 16% in the rejected offer, and raises the maximum yearly cost-of-living adjustment from 2.5% to 3.5%. It also specifies that there will be no mandatory overtime work on weekends. The rejected proposal allowed mandatory overtime on Saturdays.

Workers will receive a $3,000 cash signing bonus if the contract is ratified Thursday. It would be the first new contract for Spirit employees in 13 years.

“We listened closely and worked hard in our talks over the last several days to further understand and address the priorities of our IAM-represented employees,” Spirit CEO Tom Gentile said in a news release. “We believe this new offer is fair and competitive and recognizes the contributions of our employees covered under this proposed agreement, enabling our ability to meet the growing needs of our customers and deliver value for our investors.”

Voting will take place at Hartman Arena in Park City.