Boeing firefighters approved a new four-year contract deal on Thursday, ending a lockout that had persisted for more than three weeks.
New Contract Deal of Boeing Firefighters Ends Lockout
According to Reuters, Boeing locked out its unionized firefighters in early May after they turned down two contract proposals. The firefighters were members of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local I-66 in Washington state.
This situation had attracted the attention of President Joe Biden, Washington Governor Jay Inslee, and several members of Congress. The unionized firefighters, who voted 86-24 to approve the new agreement, will return to work on Saturday.
Reuters reported that the deal includes annual wage increases of 2% to 3%, with guaranteed overtime boosting yearly pay on average by up to $21,216. Firefighters will also receive a $1,000 signing bonus and other compensation upgrades.
Boeing Expresses Satisfaction on the New Deal
The deal also restructures job classifications, creating more promotional opportunities and shortening the time required to reach top pay scales. Boeing expressed satisfaction with the new agreement and said it looks forward to the firefighters returning to work.
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