Boeing and former Spirit AeroSystems white-collar staff have finalized a new labor contract that marks a significant development in ongoing aerospace labor negotiations. According to Reuters journalist Dan Catchpole, roughly 1,600 former Spirit employees overwhelmingly approved a multi-year agreement that runs through late 2030.
The Boeing Spirit labor deal includes a $6,000 ratification bonus, structured annual wage increases, enhanced medical and retirement benefits, and six extra days off per year. The contract was approved by 85% of voting employees, signaling widespread support among the bargaining unit.
What Is the Boeing Spirit Labor Deal?
In late January 2026, Boeing secured a comprehensive labor contract with the white-collar workers it inherited through its acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems in December 2025.
These workers are part of the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA) Wichita Technical & Professional Unit. SPEEA represents a portion of Boeing’s broader workforce, including specific engineering and technical personnel.
Key Contract Terms
- Ratification bonus: $6,000 for each employee.
- Wages: Annual increases built into the contract.
- Benefits: Improved health and retirement plans.
- Time off: Six additional personal days each year.
Union approval rates were high, indicating strong support for the terms among the workforce.
Background: Boeing, Spirit, and U.S. Aerospace Labor
Boeing’s re-acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems in December 2025 brought an important supplier back under Boeing’s corporate umbrella. Spirit has manufactured critical aircraft parts such as fuselage and wing sections for Boeing and other global customers.
As part of the Boeing Spirit labor deal, these formerly independent workers now fall directly under Boeing’s labor framework, necessitating new contracts to align terms with Boeing’s workforce practices.
Why This Matters: Aerospace Labor Context
Impact on the Workforce
This contract represents the first formal labor deal Boeing has reached with the former Spirit AeroSystems white-collar employees. The favorable vote suggests workers felt the terms were competitive in the aerospace job market.
Union Dynamics
- SPEEA represents technical workers and engineers across Boeing’s operations in the U.S.
- Boeing plans to enter negotiations later in 2026 with larger SPEEA bargaining units, including thousands of engineers and technical staff in Washington, Oregon, California, and Utah.
This contract could set a precedent for those future engagements.
Timeline: Boeing Labor Developments
- Dec 8, 2025: Boeing completes acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems.
- Dec 2025 – Jan 2026: Contract talks initiate between Boeing and SPEEA units.
- Jan 30, 2026: Boeing Spirit labor deal ratified by former Spirit white-collar workers.
- Later 2026: Expanded negotiations expected with additional SPEEA units.
What This Means for Boeing
Operational Stability
Securing a long-term agreement with former Spirit employees enables Boeing to:
- Reduce labor uncertainty at a key manufacturing site.
- Strengthen workforce continuity amid industry demand upswing.
- Focus on production integration and supply chain alignment.
What’s Next
- Larger SPEEA negotiating units are set to begin talks later in 2026, especially across major Boeing engineering hubs.
- Boeing’s ability to maintain strong labor relations will influence production forecasts for its commercial and defense aircraft lines.
- Aerospace labor unions globally are closely monitoring U.S. developments for comparative bargaining strategies.
Source
- Reuters: Boeing reaches labor deal with former Spirit AeroSystems white-collar workers
- Spirit AeroSystems (Official Release): Spirit AeroSystems signs divestiture agreement with Airbus
- Investing.com: Boeing union pauses contract talks for former Spirit AeroSystems engineers
