Boeing, SPEEA Contract Talks Take Positive Turn

After months of stalemate, Boeing and its engineering union say contract talks have taken a positive turn. In fact, both parties sent out identical statements Thursday saying talks are “productive.”

Bill Dugovich, a spokesman for the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA), says the talks gained momentum last week after Boeing’s better-than-expected earnings report.

“We’re hopeful the company recognized that our members played a very key role in the success the company is experiencing and that we can reach agreement on a contract that respects that contribution," Dugovich says.

SPEEA represents about 23,000 Boeing engineers and technical staff whose current contract is set to expire in late November. In September, the company sent the union a new contract proposal but 95 percent of its members voted it down.

Dugovich declined to discuss any contract specifics, however he says all issues of wages and benefits are on the table.

Boeing also sent out a statement late last week suggesting some compromise on their health care proposal. The statement also said both sides reached tentative agreements related to holiday pay and jury duty for part-time employees. Talks are scheduled to continue October 31.