A union representing about 1,600 white-collar workers at fuselage supplier Spirit AeroSystems called SPEEA shared that on Jan. 15, 2026 that they had reached a tentative agreement with Boeing on a new collective bargaining contract.
The negotiation team for the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA) non-engineering unit in Wichita, Kansas, United States of America, unanimously recommended that members approve Boeing’s proposal.
Boeing-SPEEA negotiations resume after Spirit AeroSystems takeover
Boeing completed its $4.7 billion takeover of Spirit AeroSystems on Dec. 8, 2025, and contract talks only started after the deal was closed due to labor laws restrictions.
Talks between Beoing and SPEEA were paused until Jan. 5, as negotiators criticised Boeing for being unprepared for talks.
Spirit AeroSystems was created in 2005, when Boeing sold its operations in Oklahoma and Kansas to investment firm Onex. Spirit makes 737 fuselages in Wichita, which are moved by rail to Boeing’s plant in Renton, Washington.
In the years after 2005, in order to expand its customer base beyond Boeing, Spirit AeroSystems bought or opened facilities in Africa, Asia, Europe and elsewhere in the US.
James Hatfield, the chair of SPEEA of negotiating team, told Reuters that:
“[Boeing’s offer] gives us better medical benefits, better dental benefits, more vacation time and a decent set of salary pools for raises.”
Pay, benefits and voting timeline for union members
According to SPEEA, Boeing’s proposal included a 20% increase to wage pools over around five years, a 50% annual increase in promotional funds, a $6000 ratification bonus, and a 10% 401(k) match starting in 2027.
A Boeing spokesperson also shared:
“We’re pleased the union’s bargaining committee has fully endorsed our Best and Final Offer that would give our teammates higher wages, better benefits and more time off. We encourage our employees to vote yes.”
SPEEA union members have until 5 PM on Jan. 30, 2026 to review the offer and vote on the proposal, according to SPEEA.
The current six-year contract is set to expire on Jan. 31, 2026.
Are you a part of the SPEEA union? Are you planning to vote yes or no on this agreement with Boeing? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
