Boeing workers walk into Angel of the Winds to vote on a contract proposal on Oct. 23 in Everett. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Boeing workers walk into Angel of the Winds to vote on a contract proposal on Oct. 23 in Everett. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Boeing Machinists to vote on new contract proposal

The latest deal includes a 38% general wage increase over the next four years. Members are expected to vote Monday.

EVERETT — Union leaders presented 33,000 Boeing Machinists with the latest contract proposal aimed at ending an ongoing strike that will enter its eighth week as of Friday.

Leaders with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers union announced the proposal Thursday afternoon, and recommended members approve the deal.

“It is time for our members to lock in these gains and confidently declare victory,” the union said in a statement.

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

The latest proposal includes a 38% general wage increase over the next four years for its 33,000 members. This will be the third offer for IAM members to vote on since negotiations began last spring. Union members voted overwhelmingly against the first offer, leading to the strike that began on Sept. 13.

Last week, 64% of Machinists rejected a contract offer that called for a 35% increase.

Members are expected to vote on the proposal Monday. A simple majority of yes votes would end the strike and send Machinists back to work. A no vote would extend the strike, which has cost Boeing at least $5.5 billion in its first six weeks, the New York Times reported.

Trevor Knightley, an electrical installer who works at the Everett plant, said Thursday he thinks it could be a good offer. He’s not sure how other members will vote.

“In my personal opinion, and my professional opinion, I think it is a good offer and I think it will be something our membership will vote for, but I don’t know how they’ll vote,” Knightley said. “I’ll tell you the honest truth, I’m getting a lot of mixed reviews on how people feel. I’m getting the yays and the nays.”

In a statement Thursday, Boeing said the new proposal includes a $12,000 ratification bonus, up from $7,000 proposed in the previous offer.

Other details include a commitment to build Boeing’s next new airplane in the Puget Sound region. The statement did not specify if that would be in the company’s Everett or Renton plants.

Currently, the Everett plant, featuring 17,000 union Machinists, is responsible for building the 767 and 777 planes.

The latest deal also includes upgrades to workers’ retirement plans. Whether or not that’s enough to satisfy a simple majority of IAM workers, remains to be seen.

Even before the latest rejection of a contract proposal on Oct. 23, many union workers said their pension was the biggest item “the company took from them.”

In 2014, the union narrowly voted to forego pensions after Boeing floated working on a new version of the 777 out of state.

The new proposal comes as talks resumed Tuesday, with assistance from acting Labor Secretary Julie Su.

Herald writer Will Geschke contributed to this report.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

Michael Henneke: 425-339-3431; michael.henneke@heraldnet.com; X: @ihenpecked.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

(City of Everett)
Everett’s possible new stadium has a possible price tag

City staff said a stadium could be built for $82 million, lower than previous estimates. Bonds and private investment would pay for most of it.

Jennifer Humelo, right, hugs Art Cass outside of Full Life Care Snohomish County on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘I’ll lose everything’: Snohomish County’s only adult day health center to close

Full Life Care in Everett, which supports adults with disabilities, will shut its doors July 19 due to state funding challenges.

The age of bridge 503 that spans Swamp Creek can be seen in its timber supports and metal pipes on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, in Lynnwood, Washington. The bridge is set to be replaced by the county in 2025. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Snohomish County report: 10 bridges set for repairs, replacement

An annual report the county released May 22 details the condition of local bridges and future maintenance they may require.

The Edmonds City Council gathers to discuss annexing into South County Fire on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Community group presents vision for Edmonds’ fiscal future

Members from Keep Edmonds Vibrant suggested the council focus on revenue generation and a levy lid lift to address its budget crisis.

Cars drive along Cathcart Way next to the site of the proposed Eastview Village development that borders Little Cedars Elementary on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 in unincorporated Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Former engineer: Snohomish County rushed plans for Eastview development

David Irwin cited red flags from the developers. After he resigned, the county approved the development that’s now stalled with an appeal

People listen as the Marysville School Board votes to close an elementary and a middle school in the 2025-26 school year while reconfiguring the district’s elementary schools to a K-6 model on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025 in Marysville, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Marysville schools audit shows some improvement

Even though the district still faces serious financial problems, the findings are a positive change over last year, auditors said.

Outside of the Madrona School on Monday, Aug. 26, 2024 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Sewer district notifies Edmonds schools of intent to sue

The letter of intent alleges the school district has failed to address long-standing “water pollution issues” at Madrona K-8 School.

Providence Regional Medical Center Everett. (Olivia Vanni/The Herald)
Providence Everett plans to reduce certified nursing assistants

Nursing assistants at Providence Regional Medical Center Everett have until Thursday to accept a voluntary severance package.

A firefighting helicopter carries a bucket of water from a nearby river to the Bolt Creek Fire on Saturday, Sep. 10, 2022, on U.S. 2 near Index, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
How Snohomish County property owners can prepare for wildfire season

Clean your roofs, gutters and flammable material while completing a 5-foot-buffer around your house.

Nedra Vranish, left, and Karen Thordarson, right browse colorful glass flowers at Fuse4U during Sorticulture on Friday, June 7, 2024, in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett’s Sorticulture festival starts Friday

Festivities will include art classes, garden vendors and live music.

Logo for news use featuring Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
11-year-old, teen injured in Snohomish County shooting

The 11-year-old is in critical condition, the sheriff’s office said. Investigators believe the shooting was gang related.

Madison Family Shelter Family Support Specialist Dan Blizard talks about one of the pallet homes on Monday, May 19, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Madison Family Shelter reopens after hiatus

The Pallet shelter village, formerly Faith Family Village, provides housing for up to eight families for 90 days.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.