Boeing and the union that represents about 17,000 engineers and technical workers have reached a tentative agreement on a new four-year labor contract, reducing the immediate risk of another strike at the U.S. aircraft manufacturer.
The Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA) announced the agreement after weeks of negotiations with Boeing. Union members must still vote on the proposal before it can take effect.
The agreement covers two bargaining units in the Puget Sound region: approximately 12,000 engineers represented by SPEEA's Professional Unit and about 5,000 employees in its Technical Unit.
The workers have an important role across Boeing's commercial and defense operations, with engineers and technical employees involved in aircraft design, testing, production support and certification programs.
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Under the proposed contract, employees would receive a 10% general wage increase when the agreement takes effect, followed by another 4% increase in March 2027. Salary pools of 6% are planned for each of the remaining three years, with individual workers guaranteed increases of at least 4%.
The proposal also includes changes to overtime provisions, remote work, career progression and retention measures. SPEEA's negotiating teams recommended that members approve the agreement.
Contracts expire on October 6
The latest proposal follows the rejection of an earlier Boeing offer in August. About 64% of engineers and 72% of technical workers voted against that contract, despite a recommendation from union negotiators to accept it.
SPEEA members also authorized a strike during the previous vote, increasing pressure on Boeing to return to negotiations. The existing contracts expire on October 6, which means a walkout could begin from October 7 if the latest proposal is rejected and no new agreement is reached.
A strike would come at a sensitive time for Boeing. The company is working to increase production of the 737 MAX while several major development and certification programs remain underway, including the 737 MAX 7, MAX 10 and 777-9.
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September 12, 2026
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Boeing has already faced significant labor disruption in recent years. More than 30,000 production workers represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers went on strike for seven weeks in 2024, temporarily halting production of several Boeing aircraft in the Seattle area.
SPEEA members are expected to vote on the new proposal before the current contracts expire.
