Spirit AeroSystems announced Friday that it will meet with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) on Saturday, June 24th, to continue negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement.
Members of the IAM Local Lodge 839 voted 79% Wednesday to reject a contract proposal by Spirit, with 85% voting in favor of a strike.
The contract included 16% wage increases, a $7,500 ratification bonus, and enhancements to paid time off and job security.
In a statement, Spirit President and CEO Tom Gentile said “…We have continued to engage with IAM representatives and have agreed to meet on Saturday morning with the IAM bargaining committee and other IAM representatives with the assistance of a mediator from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service. As has been our focus throughout these negotiations, we want to provide our IAM-represented employees a fair-and-competitive contract. We are committed to reaching an agreement with Local 839 as quickly as possible for our employees.”
Gentile noted the increasing demand for aircraft production as air travel returns to pre-pandemic levels and stressed that it is important to employees, the company and other stakeholders to continue supporting Spirit customers.
Following Wednesday’s vote, Spirit suspended production in Wichita. As Spirit continues to pursue an agreement, the company expects Wichita production operations to remain suspended until that agreement is reached.
IAM members have yet to respond to the statement.
