Workers at Boeing have voted to accept an improved pay offer ending the 7 week long strike that has paralysed aircraft production in Washington state.
The deal was accepted by members who voted 58% in favour and includes a 38% pay rise over four years and a ratification bonus.
The union’s lead negotiator Jon Holden said: “This is a victory. We can hold our heads high,” adding “Now it’s our job to get back to work.”
During the strike workers turned down two previous pay deals despite union recommendations to accept them putting pressure on Boeing’s new CEO Kelly Ortberg at a time when the OEM was already hit by production delays and a number of high profile incidents involving its aircraft.
In a message to staff after they accepted the deal Ortberg said: “While the past few months have been difficult for all of us, we are all part of the same team,” he said. “We will only move forward by listening and working together. There is much work ahead to return to the excellence that made Boeing an iconic company.”
Boeing can now return to plans to build its next new aircraft in Washington State at Boeings Seattle home.
