According to Machinist Union President Cornell Beard, the Machinist Union has approved a four-year contract with Spirit AeroSystems.
The second tentative contract passed with 63% of union members voting “yes.”
The Local Lodge 839 Machinist Union Facebook page published a post including a statement from Beard:
Brothers and Sisters,
Thank you all for your hard work and tireless hours on the strike line. I know some of you went above and beyond. Your sacrifice can never, and I mean never, be minimalized. Your CNC is very grateful for all the prayers and positive reinforcement that this membership gave us. Let’s work hard to set ourselves up for the big win in four yeras as well. This membership vote by the majority of 63% is a move in the right direction for our local. God bless you all! Have a great and safe holiday!”
CORNELL BEARD
PRESIDENT/DBR
IAMAW DISTRICT 70
According to Spirit, it will begin restoring operations at its Wichita plant Friday. Spirit says it will begin to fully resume production Wednesday.
“We listened closely to our employees and brought forward a fair-and-competitive offer,” President and CEO of Spirit AeroSystems Tom Gentile said. “With its approval by our IAM-represented employees, we look forward to getting back to the important work of delivering
quality products to our customers.”
Spirit says it will closely coordinate with its suppliers and customers as it restarts production, and the company remains focused on safety and quality standards as it ramps up production.
Last Thursday, 79% of union members voted “no” to the first contract.
While some say they wished for a chance at a third offer, others say they’re happy to get their health insurance back.
“I voted yes because I’m ready to get back to work, you know, I have bills, and this is just prolonging it,” said Santos Sandoval, Spirit worker.
Less than a week after the machinists union began striking outside Spirit, several workers say the second contract agreement brought forth by Spirit was something they could stand behind.
“This is hands down better than the first one, especially overall for everyone. The insurance deal was a pretty big deal, this is just way less complicated than the other one, and it doesn’t take away our raise. It’s a pretty good all-around deal,” said Addison Klein, Spirit worker.
Others like Darrick Reed say he had hoped for an opportunity to vote on a third contract agreement.
“I’ve been talking to people, and some people say that spirit is really just basically being mean to us, and then some people are like, ‘Hey man, I need to get my insurance back together.’ So all I can say is it’s better than the last version, but I think there’s a better version that could exist,” said Reed.
