Boeing union members approve union-proposed offer, send it to company

ST. LOUIS - Striking Boeing union members have approved a new union proposal offer Friday morning via a vote that could potentially end their walkout.

The offer, approved by 90% of union voters, now heads to Boeing's company leadership for review.

Some of 3,200 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM District 837) have been on strike since August 4, and they will begin casting their ballots at 8 a.m.

Union officials have highlighted that the union proposal includes improved 401(k) contributions and raises for some members, aiming to bring them in line with other Boeing employees. The offer also features a ratification bonus compromise, which IAM 837 claims is comparable to those offered to other union and non-union workers at Boeing.

Previously, the union has rejected two offers from Boeing, including a recent five-year contract proposal that promised a 24 percent raise over its duration and a $4,000 signing bonus.

Union leaders have stated that if the members approve this proposal, it will be sent to Boeing as a pre-ratified agreement. However, if Boeing rejects the deal, the strike will continue.

In response to the IAM District 837 union-proposed strike settlement offer, Boeing released the following statement:

This publicity stunt is a waste of time that will not help the parties reach a deal. The union continues to create false expectations by voting on an offer we never made, including terms we’ve expressly told them we won’t accept. Our main objective is to return our 3,200 teammates to work within the economic framework of the deal the union has twice endorsed. They are choosing an approach that will prolong the strike for our teammates who have already lost an average of $15,000 in income. Dan Gillian, Boeing Air Dominance vice president and general manager and senior St. Louis site executive