In a landmark agreement, 33,000 Boeing frontline workers, represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Districts 751 and W24, have ratified a union contract that sets a new standard for wages in the aerospace industry. This contract offers a compounded wage increase of 43.65% over four years, a $12,000 ratification bonus, health care improvements, and strengthened retirement benefits.
The deal followed a nearly two-month strike across Boeing locations in Washington, Oregon, and California. With public backing and bipartisan political support, the workers’ strike focused on achieving fair compensation and job security. Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Julie Su, on behalf of the Biden-Harris administration, played a key role in bringing the parties back to the table, facilitating discussions that had stalled.
**IAM District 751 President Jon Holden and IAM District W24 President Brandon Bryant praised the outcome in a joint statement: **
“Working people know what it’s like when a company overreaches and takes away more than is fair. Through this strike and the resulting victory, frontline workers at Boeing have done their part to begin rebalancing the scales in favor of the middle class – and in doing so, we hope to inspire other workers in our industry and beyond to continue standing up for justice at work. Through this victory and the strike that made it possible, IAM members have taken a stand for respect and fair wages in the workplace. Our members perform high-quality and flight-critical work for the airplanes we build and deserve a return on their labor investment that provides for the quality-of-life worthy of that labor.
“This contract also creates a new foundation to build on for the future and that future begins today. We are ready to help Boeing change direction and return to building the highest quality and safest airplanes in the world. Our members are critical to that mission, and now have a stronger voice in the decision-making process to ensure those needed improvements are made. ‘There is no Boeing without the IAM’ has been our battle cry, and we are ready, again, to do our part to bring this company back to the standard that it never should have strayed from.
“Livable wages and benefits that can support a family are essential – not optional – and this strike underscored that reality. This contract will have a positive and generational impact on the lives of workers at Boeing and their families. We hope these gains inspire other workers to organize and join a union. Frontline Boeing workers have used their voices, their collective power, and their solidarity to do what is right, to stand up for what is fair – and to win.”
**Brian Bryant, IAM International President, added:**
“This agreement represents a new standard in the aerospace industry – one that sends a clear statement that aerospace jobs must be middle-class careers in which workers can thrive. Workers in the aerospace industry, led by the IAM — the most powerful aerospace union in the world — will not settle for anything less than the respect and family-sustaining wages and benefits they need and deserve. This agreement reflects the positive results of workers sticking together, participating in workplace democracy, and demonstrating solidarity with each other and with the community during a necessary and effective strike.”
**Contract Highlights:**
Wage Increases: The contract includes a 38% wage increase over four years (13%, 9%, 9%, 7%), compounding to 43.65%.
Ratification Bonus: Workers receive a $12,000 ratification bonus, with flexible options for allocation.
Retirement Benefits: A 401(k) match of 100% up to 8%, a 4% special retirement contribution, and a $105 pension multiplier per year.
Healthcare and Disability Improvements: Enhanced long-term and short-term disability plans, with healthcare cost controls.
Job Security and Overtime Rules: Strengthened job security provisions and improved overtime rules.
Gary R. Allen, IAM Western Territory General Vice President, celebrated the victory, calling it the most significant contract upgrade in a decade, setting an example for the industry. IAM Resident General Vice President Jody Bennett added that the union members’ unity and resilience throughout the strike led to substantial gains for wages and working conditions.
With approximately 600,000 active and retired members across North America, the IAM represents workers in aerospace, defense, healthcare, automotive, and other industries. The new contract with Boeing underscores the union’s commitment to securing livable wages and benefits that support families and communities.