Boeing engineers and technical workers approve new contract, avoiding strike

Boeing engineers and technical workers approved a sweetened four-year contract with immediate 10% raises, avoiding a potential strike at the aerospace giant as it seeks federal approval for new aircraft. "We secured many victories that some thought were completely out of reach when this negotiation cycle started," said the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace, which represents about 13,000 Boeing engineers and 4,000 technical workers. Boeing increased its offer in mid-September after the workers rejected an earlier proposal. The work group comprises Boeing's largest white-collar union.