Boeing workers reject four-year deal, authorize potential strike

Boeing workers at its largest white-collar union unit have rejected a proposed four-year labor contract and authorized their negotiating team to call a strike when the current agreement expires October 6, union officials said. The Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA) represents about 17,000 members, and voted separately on the tentative deal. Engineers rejected it by 64%, while roughly 72% of technical workers voted against. Boeing said it will implement a strike contingency plan and divert funds intended for its SPEEA-represented team. The union’s spokesperson said no new negotiations are currently scheduled. A work stoppage could further delay FAA certification efforts for the 737 MAX 10 and 777-9, already several years behind schedule.