Spirit AeroSystems, which manufactures aerostructures for major airframe OEMs like Boeing and Airbus, announced that it restored operations at its Wichita, Kansas, headquarters on June 30 after reaching a deal with leaders of the union that represents its workers, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW).
The company will “begin to fully resume production on July 5,” said Spirit in a press release.
After a week-long strike — which began at midnight on June 23 — IAMAW members voted on June 29 to ratify a new four-year contract, which includes increased pay and no mandatory weekend overtime.
“We listened closely to our employees and brought forward a fair and competitive offer,” said Tom Gentile, president and CEO of Spirit AeroSystems.
As part of the new deal, workers will see a total wage increase of 9.5 percent in the first year, with a guaranteed cumulative increase of 23.5 percent over the contract’s four-year duration. Additionally, annual bonuses and “cost of living allowance” will be provided on top of the base wage.
Spirit noted that healthcare for its employees “will be 100 percent unchanged from the comprehensive coverage they currently have.”
As it begins to restart and ramp up production, the company said it will “closely coordinate with its suppliers and customers” while remaining “focused on safety and quality standards.”
Spirit’s Wichita plant is responsible for manufacturing parts for Boeing’s best-selling 737 Max aircraft, including the fuselage, pylons, wing leading edges, thrust reversers, and engine nacelles. The company also has a hand in producing Boeing’s 787, 767, and 777/777X jets, and is a supplier for Airbus’s A220, A320, and A350 programs.
Spirit also manufactures parts for various Bombardier business jets. However, those deliveries come from the company’s Belfast, U.K., site, which was not affected by the recent strike.
More details of the new contract offer can be found here.
