Boeing Co. (NYSE: BA) has averted a potential work stoppage after the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA) ratified a new four-year contract. The agreement, which was approved by union members, removes the immediate threat of a strike that could have begun as early as October 7, 2026, according to a report by Reuters.
The ratification comes as Boeing faces critical certification efforts for the 737 MAX 10 and the 777X aircraft. A work stoppage risked slowing certification work and interfering with plans to ramp up manufacturing and speed up deliveries.
Under the approved package, workers will receive a guaranteed 10% wage increase, followed by 4% annual raises. Additionally, there is the potential for an additional 2% based on performance. This package contrasts with Boeing’s initial proposal, which offered guaranteed increases tied to inflation with a 3% ceiling and additional performance-based pay, a proposal that was previously rejected by the union.
The union urged members to "work with Boeing" and pressure management to rebuild "trust with the membership that has eroded over the past decades." The prior contracts were set to expire on October 6.
Separately, Boeing’s 737 MAX 10 certification was delayed due to a software issue. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stated that the issue results in pilots losing automated landing guidance in some instances, which could increase pilot workload. Boeing has notified flight operators and is developing a permanent software fix.
