Boeing faces potential third strike as engineers reject major wage offer

Boeing disclosed that it will scrap the most substantial wage hike offered to its white-collar workforce in more than four decades after the SPEEA union rejected the proposal. The union, representing about 17,000 engineers, scientists and technical employees, voted to permit a strike should negotiations fail before the contract ends in October. Consequently, Boeing will reallocate the money intended for a retroactive 3% raise and a 30% increase over four years to its strike-readiness plan.

Ben Nimmergut, Boeing’s vice president for production engineering, said the company is shifting resources to prepare for possible work stoppages. The situation echoes earlier strikes that disrupted production of the 737 Max, 777, and defense aircraft such as the F-15EX Eagle II. Analysts warn that another walkout could delay deliveries of the 737 Max 10 and 777-9, affecting airlines and the broader supply chain.