Jan. 15, 2026, (c) Leeham News: Boeing and SPEEA, the engineers and technicians union, reached an agreement tonight for the Boeing Wichita operation. This is the former Spirit AeroSystems plant that was merged into Boeing last month. The labor contract was open during Spirit’s last days, and negotiations were paused upon the merger and through the holidays.
This is the first test of contract negotiations and SPEEA under Boeing’s CEO, Kelly Ortberg. The primary SPEEA is with Boeing in the great Seattle area. This contract expires in October.
Contract overview
SPEEA’s negotiation team is unanimously recommending that union members approve the offer, SPEEA said in a press release. “Boeing’s offer gives us better medical benefits, better dental benefits, more vacation time, and a decent set of salary pools for raises,” said James Hatfield, of SPEEA. “We will be joining other unions and Boeing non-union employees in enjoying the Boeing benefits; that’s why I would vote for approving this contract.”
According to SPEEA’s announcement, the terms include:
- A 20% increase in wage pools over 58 months (4.8 years). Individuals’ pay increases would vary based on the scores they get in annual performance reviews, but everyone is guaranteed an annual raise of at least 2%. The wage pools will increase aggregate wages 5% on July 10 of this year; 3.5% in March 2027; 4% in March 2028; 3.5% in March 2029; and 4% in March 2030.
- The offer also includes a 50% increase in promotional funds from 0.50% per year to 0.75% per year. Unspent promotional funds roll into the next year’s selective wage pools.
- A ratification bonus of $6,000, which can be deposited into the employee’s 401k (subject to IRS limits).
- An increase in annual performance bonus payouts starting in 2027 (for the 2026 plan year), with the target going to 7% from the current 6%, and the maximum going to 14% from the current 12%.
- A switch to a Boeing suite of medical insurance plans in 2027, which will save an average WTPU-represented employee $3,100, with some saving more than $7,000 a year, depending on their current plan.
- Starting in 2027, a 10% 401(k) match for workers putting at least that much of their own money into the savings plans.
- An average of six more days of time off per year – depending on years of service – plus a floating holiday, and improved parental, adoption, and military service leave.
A vote will be held on Jan. 30. If approved, the contract will become effective on Feb. 1.
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