Boeing is cutting spending and preparing for possible disruption as members of its engineers’ union move towards a ratification vote on a tentative contract that could avert a strike. CEO Kelly Ortberg warned that any walkout by the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace would stop 777X certification work and could spread to Boeing’s production plans in the Seattle area.
The union represents about 17,000 engineers and technical workers in the Puget Sound region. Members previously rejected Boeing’s earlier offer in August and authorised a strike, before negotiators returned with a richer proposal that the union’s bargaining teams recommended for approval.
The current contract expires on 6 October, leaving a narrow window for ratification. The revised package includes a 10% wage increase, followed by further rises and merit-based adjustments, which helped secure the union committee’s backing. Boeing is also relying on contingency planning to protect some 737 output if the vote does not go its way.