Workers to Vote on Boeing’s Latest Offer

Boeing engineers and technical workers will cast secret ballots today on the proposed settlement of their strike against the aerospace giant, which has lasted more than a month.

Union leaders hailed the tentative three-year agreement as a victory and recommended acceptance of the proposal, which offers raises, bonuses and extended health coverage.

“The resolve and commitment of the people won this contract,” said Charles Bofferding, executive director of the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace, who helped engineer the agreement.

But many on the picket lines remained skeptical.

“This strike was all about respect and a partnership with management,” said flight test engineer Jonathan McNutt, 43.

“I don’t see it in this contract offer,” he said. “It’s the same old stuff. That’s sad.” McNutt said he probably will vote to reject the proposal, which is the fourth offer made by the company.

The contract grants wage increases of at least 9% and cash bonuses totaling $2,500 over 12 months. Health coverage would be extended to domestic partners. The company has dropped its demand for worker contributions toward health-insurance premiums.

If the offer is accepted, SPEEA members will return to work at 9 a.m. Monday.

The walkout, which began Feb. 9, took more than 17,000 engineers and technical workers off the job, by the union’s count, mostly in the Puget Sound area. Recent Boeing estimates put the number of strikers at 15,000.