Workers involved in a lengthy strike at Boeing are to vote on a fresh offer from the company as it bids to restart stalled aircraft production.
The proposal to be voted on by more than 33,000 US west coast machinists who walked out on September 13 includes a 35% pay hike over four years and a one-time bonus of $7,000.
The five-week work stoppage has halted production of the best-selling Bowing 737 Max and widebody 767 and 777 models, prompting concern from airlines such as Ryanair over a constraint on planned capacity growth.
Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) will vote on whether to accept the proposal on Wednesday (October 23).
“Details of the potential strike settlement – including the date on which workers would return to work if the vote passes – will be part of the vote,” IAM said.
The industrial action has been taking place at Boeing locations in Washington state, Oregon, and California.
Acting US labour secretary Julie Su met with union and company officials last week, “helping to spur further discussions”.
An initial offer of a 25% pay rise over four years was rejected last month, triggering the strike. A subsequent offer including a 30% increase was withdrawn earlier this month by Boeing after talks collapsed.
A joint statement by union leaders Jon Holden and Brandon Bryant said: “The fact the company has put forward an improved proposal is a testament to the resolve and dedication of the frontline workers who’ve been on strike – and to the strong support they have received from so many.
“This proposal will be carefully reviewed and voted upon by the frontline workers of Boeing whose dedication to their communities and families have made this company successful in the past.
“The workers will ultimately decide if this specific proposal is sufficient in meeting their very legitimate needs and goal of achieving respect and fairness at Boeing.
“Like many workers in America, IAM members at Boeing have sacrificed greatly for their employer, including during the pandemic when these workers were reporting to the factory as executives stayed at home. These workers deserve to have all of those sacrifices recognised.”
Boeing, which is cutting 17,000 staff, or 10% of its global workforce, said on Saturday that it looks “forward to our employees voting on the negotiated proposal”.
The company has suffered a turbulent period since the panel of an Alaska Airlines 737 Max 9 fell off in midair in January following the fatal crashes of 737s in Asia and Africa which killed a total of 346 people in October 2018 and six months later.