Wichita-based Spirit AeroSystems is not planning to implement additional furloughs nor layoffs after Boeing workers in the state of Washington approved a contract offer Monday.
Spirit started furloughs on Oct. 28 for 700 workers on Boeing’s 767 and 777 widebody jet programs; the furloughs end on Nov. 18.
For seven weeks, 33,000 Boeing factory workers have been on strike; the approval vote allows the aerospace giant to resume production of its bestselling airliner.
“The conclusion of the strike and the impending return of Boeing employees hearten us,” Joe Buccino, Spirit AeroSystems media relations, said in a statement. “Meanwhile, we face space capacity constraints as Boeing begins resuming production. Reviews of our contingency plans and additional measures continue.”
Leaders of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers district in Seattle said 59% of members who cast ballots agreed to approve the company’s fourth formal offer, and the third put to a vote. The deal includes a 38% wage increase during the next four years, as well as ratification and productivity bonuses.
Boeing however refused to meet strikers’ demands to restore a company pension plan that was frozen nearly a decade ago.