Thousands of workers at Boeing have voted to end a crippling seven-week strike after accepting a third pay offer from the company.
The 33,000 machinists voted to ratify a deal which includes a 38% pay rise over four years plus a $12,000 bonus and improved pension terms.
Members of International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) walked out nearly two months ago in Washington state, Oregon and California.
The new contract with Boeing has “instantly set a new standard for compensation and wages for aerospace industry workers,” in the US.
Members voted 59% in favour of the deal after two previous offers were rejected.
The machinists who work on the Boeing 737 Max, as well as 767 and 777 wide-body aircraft, have been on strike since September 13, demanding a 40% wage increase and the restoration of a defined-benefit pension they lost a decade ago.
Acting US labour secretary Julie Su worked to help restart and reach a positive resolution to negotiations that had previously stalled.
Boeing chief executive Kelly Ortberg said: “We were pleased to reach a ratified agreement with IAM.
“While the past few months have been difficult for all of us, we are all part of the same team. We will only move forward by listening and working together.
“There is much work ahead to return to the excellence that made Boeing an iconic company.
“This is an important time in our history, and like generations before us, we will face into the moment together, and stronger as one team.”
A joint statement from IAM union leaders Jon Holden and Brandon Bryant said: “Through this victory and the strike that made it possible, IAM members have taken a stand for respect and fair wages in the workplace.
“Our members perform high quality and flight critical work for the airplanes we build and deserve a return on their labour investment that provides for the quality of life worthy of that labour.
“This contract also creates a new foundation to build on for the future and that future begins today. We are ready to help Boeing change direction and return to building the highest quality and safest airplanes in the world.
Our members are critical to that mission, and now have a stronger voice in the decision making process to ensure those needed improvements are made.”
IAM international president Brian Bryant added: “This agreement represents a new standard in the aerospace industry – one that sends a clear statement that aerospace jobs must be middle class careers in which workers can thrive.
“This agreement reflects the positive results of workers sticking together, participating in workplace democracy, and demonstrating solidarity with each other and with the community during a necessary and effective strike.”