Workers at Spirit Aerosystems have approved a new labor deal setting the stage to resume production at a Wichita, Kansas, facility. Last week the union revolted against the new proposed contract, bringing the production to a complete halt.
Spirit Aerosystems supplies fuselages for Boeing 737 Max aircraft as well as other parts for Boeing and other manufacturers.
"We listened closely to our employees and brought forward a fair-and-competitive offer," said Tom Gentile, President and Chief Executive, Spirit AeroSystems. "With its approval by our IAM-represented employees, we look forward to getting back to the important work of delivering quality products to our customers."
“We continue to monitor the situation as we assess any potential impacts to production and deliveries,” Stan Deal, Chief Executive, Boeing’s commercial airplane unit, said in a note to staff.
The company and the workers’ union, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, had reached a new tentative agreement for the 6,000 workers. “About 63% of the workers approved the new agreement, the union informed.
“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,” the union clarified when the preliminary deal three days back. The workers are due to return to work from July 5, 2023.