Boeing Strike Ends As Workers Accept New Contract

Boeing's U.S. West Coast factory workers have accepted a new contract offer, ending a bitter seven-week strike that halted most jet production and deepened a financial crisis at the troubled planemaker, Dan Catchpole and Allison Lampert reported for Reuters.

The end of the first strike in 16 years by Boeing's largest union provides welcome relief for a company that has faced one setback after another since a door panel blew off a near-new 737 MAX plane in mid-air in January. I Photo: Boeing Careers Facebook

The union said members voted 59% in favor of the new contract, which includes a 38% pay increase spread over four years, easing pressure on new Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg after two previous offers were rejected in recent weeks. Shares of the planemaker rose nearly 2% in premarket trading.

"This is a victory. We can hold our heads high," said Jon Holden, the union's lead negotiator, to members after the results were announced. "Now it's our job to get back to work."

The end of the first strike in 16 years by Boeing's largest union provides welcome relief for a company that has faced one setback after another since a door panel blew off a near-new 737 MAX plane in mid-air in January.

In a message to Boeing employees after the vote, Ortberg said he was pleased the union had ratified the deal.