Machinists will vote on new Spirit contract next week. Here’s what’s in it

Wichita machinist union members will vote Wednesday on a proposed four-year contract with Spirit AeroSystems that the company calls its “best and final offer.”

The proposal includes a guaranteed 16% pay increase over the course of the contract with 2% annual bonuses and cost of living adjustments that could bring compounded wage increases as high as 34%. It also includes voluntary Sunday overtime work and a one-time $7,500 ratification bonus if the contract is approved on an initial vote.

International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers leaders have informed Spirit they plan to recommend approval of the contract.

“This is a fair and competitive contract that recognizes important contributions of the company’s factory employees and ensures that Spirit can successfully meet increasing demand for aircraft from customers,” Spirit said in a statement. “The contract is the result of negotiations built on respect for employees and their families, their IAM representatives and Spirit’s business.”

Negotiations have been underway since May 1.

“After much consideration, the committee has decided to recommend the proposal,” union negotiators said in a release. “This is not an easy decision, but it is one that we believe is a good one. While the committee has given their recommendation, the decision to accept or reject this offer is up to the membership.”

The contract can be ratified with a simple majority vote. If that fails, a second vote to authorize a strike would require a two-thirds supermajority. The renegotiated contract would be enacted by default if a strike vote failed.

In the comment section of a post from IAM Lodge 839 detailing the offer, some members celebrated it as a win and others suggested they favor a strike.

Machinists at Spirit, Wichita’s largest employer, have worked under the same contract for 13 years. That contract is set to expire at 11:59 p.m. on June 23.

Cornell Beard, directing business representative for District 70, previously told The Eagle that membership favored a short-term contract that could be reviewed more regularly.

Hard copies of the proposed contract will be available for review at town hall meetings Monday and Tuesday ahead of the Wednesday vote at Hartman Arena.

This story was originally published June 16, 2023 at 11:30 AM.