September 11, 2024
At the start of these negotiations, I made a promise to ensure you would have all the information necessary to make an informed decision on the contract proposal. That commitment stands. This is why we are holding multiple informational meetings every day leading up to the vote on Thursday. It is also why we posted the full contract and all relevant documents on our website, ourfutureourfight2024.com, and ensured that your Union Representatives and Bargaining Committee members are available on-site at your workplace to answer any questions and provide the information you need.
Your bargaining committee and I also committed to providing a recommendation—whether for acceptance or rejection—on the proposal that emerged from negotiations. I would like to explain why we are recommending a "yes" vote on this contract.
Throughout this process, our members made it clear that their priorities include significantly higher wages, improved retirement plans, lower healthcare costs with no reduction in benefits, better time-off policies, and job security. In addition to these key issues, there were numerous other corrections and improvements raised by members, as well as additional areas we identified that needed attention.
This list of demands grew large because we have not had regular contract negotiations over the past 16 years, and many issues have accumulated during that time. We were aware that this created a deep hole to climb out of, but thanks to the solidarity and strength of our members, we have been able to secure a path forward. This contract provides a foundation for a brighter and more secure future, with improvements that will benefit our members from day one.
Our efforts reflect the motto we have championed throughout these negotiations and proudly wear on our shirts:
Our Future, Our Fight!
Below are some items that lay out that path:
- 11% general wage increase (GWI) on day one for everyone. That is 11% on your current base wage. (Article 6.3(b)(1) September 2025 another 4% (GWI) - September 2026 another 4% (GWI) – September 2027 another 6% (GWI). Article 6.3(b)(2,3,4) These are all on top of your COLA increases – Secured one step of progression to Max Pay for each member’s career – and increased minimum pay for new hires from rates set in 2008.
- Secured an additional retirement savings stream for you to improve your retirement. Up to $4160 per year will be given to you in your new MRSP retirement account (information on ourfutureourfight2024.com). This is your money that you get to invest how you choose in the plan. And secured your current Boeing 401(k) plan and the 4% SERC contribution - You now have one of the best 401(k) retirement plans in the country.
- Secured your current healthcare plan, at a lower cost to you. Your monthly premium will go down in 2025 (about 9% lower) and the amount those costs can increase, has been lowered to 15% from 16%. Also including lower max out-of-pocket protection for prescription drugs – safety glasses were added as an additional pair in your vision coverage – increased the Short-Term Disability benefit – added a new Long Term Disability plan – and access to a Medicare supplement plan for retirees.
- Secured reduced mandatory overtime - added an additional annual floating holiday, that you can choose when to use – raised the limit on voluntary overtime – Secured your ability to use your vacation as you accrue it – added paid parental leave
- Secured job security that gives us the next airplane program- secured maintaining the headcount for our Facilities Maintenance members – Reaffirmed the commitment to the current 737Max, Tanker, and 777x programs – Created new jobs – Expanded Apprenticeships – and gained a seat at the table with the Boeing Board and Senior Leadership to ensure your voices are heard.
All of these items and many many more can now be secured in a Collective Bargaining Agreement (a Contract). They cannot be changed at the will of the company. Because you are the IAM, because you are a Union, you secure those wages and benefits and working conditions in a Union Contract. You and Local 63 just had the 50th anniversary of being under this Union Contract at Boeing. And everything that you enjoy today is because of the fight and determination of our membership of the past and bargaining contract after contract to grow those wages and benefits for our members today. This contract is the next step in that process.
From the start of these negotiations, we were told to set the bar high—and we did. Our initial demands were ambitious: 40% wage increases, improved pensions, and more vacation time. We used the current contract as a baseline, knowing we could not accept anything less. I am proud to say that we have brought you a proposal that delivers on these goals.
In any negotiation, adjustments must be made to secure the best possible outcome, and we did just that. Thanks to the unity and determination of our members, we achieved significant gains in every area you identified as important. Above, I highlighted some of those key improvements, and we have provided detailed information in the highlight booklet, as well as on our website. Copies are also available at our informational meetings. We want every member to have the facts to make an informed decision—because the true strength of our union lies in your ability to decide.
This contract proposal lays the foundation for a brighter, more secure future. While it may not fully heal the challenges of the past, it marks the beginning of that process. Together, we have started to close old wounds and move forward with strength. Importantly, we have also secured a commitment to return to the table in four years, ensuring we’ll never have to wait another decade to make further improvements.
We did not just build on the current contract—we raised the floor. The new standard is higher, better, and more secure.
Now, it is up to you. Your vote is your power. The strength of the IAM lies in the collective voice of its members, and this is your opportunity to shape the future. Your bargaining committee fought hard to bring back the best union contract ever negotiated for our members at Boeing. We refused to settle for anything less, and that is why we are recommending you vote to accept this proposal.
In Solidarity,
PDBR Brandon Bryant
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