Dive Brief:
- Almost a month after Boeing locked out 125 union members of its private firefighter force in Washington after it failed to reach a union contract deal, the two parties agreed to ratify a new contract May 30.
- The aircraft manufacturer signed a four-year agreement with the International Association of Fire Fighters Local I-66, which covers stations across its Puget Sound and Moses Lake, Washington, facilities.
- Local I-66’s final vote tally was 86 for ratification and 24 opposed, according to the labor union’s press release. The firefighters returned to work on June 1.
Dive Insight:
Local I-66’s new contract will bring the Boeing firefighters closer to pay uniformity with other fire departments, I-66 Local President Casey Yeager said in a May 31 press release.
Boeing’s private firefighter force's previous contract paid members about 30% less than other nearby fire departments, according to the union, which created a retention problem.
Local I-66’s new contract includes pay increases averaging up to $21,216 a year, increased remote holiday hours and bereavement days, guaranteed overtime pay, improved career and seniority progression and a $1,000 ratification bonus.
The contract also maintains IAFF members’ benefits and retirement savings plan and an increased footwear allowance every three years.
“We’re pleased our firefighters have ratified a new contract and look forward to them returning to work,” Boeing said in a company statement.
Negotiations between the aircraft maker and IAFF began in mid-February. On May 4, Boeing locked out the 125 Local I-66 members after failing to reach an agreement before the labor union’s contract expired.
Since the lockout, the union garnered support across the U.S., with other labor unions like the International Association of Machinists District joining Local I-66 at the picket line in Washington. Supporters also picketed Boeing’s headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, on May 13.
President Joe Biden also weighed in, encouraging the aircraft maker to return to the negotiation table.
“This was a David and Goliath story, and I don’t think Boeing expected us to stand together and fight the way we did,” Yeager said in a statement. “The pay was important, but our members also wanted to be respected because we love Boeing, and those employees are like family. This contract shows us that Boeing values the work we do.”
Boeing’s firefighter union negotiation is one of multiple contract negotiations it’s undergoing. The company is currently in talks with IAM District 751 and District W24’s Local Lodge 63 at its facilities in Puget Sound and Portland, Oregon, respectively. The two local unions represent 33,200 members — negotiations began in March and the contract expires Sept. 12.
