Textron Workers Accept New Contract, Strike Ends
Textron Aviation workers in Wichita have ended their four-week strike after voting to accept an improved five-year contract. Represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 70, Local Lodge 774, the workers ratified the new agreement on October 20, 2024, bringing a resolution to the labor dispute. The revised contract includes significant wage increases and enhanced benefits aimed at securing employee satisfaction and future workforce stability.
Following the ratification, workers will officially return to their positions on October 23, 2024. If operational delays require certain employees to start later, they may use Earned Time Off (ETO) or vacation time; otherwise, the time will be unpaid. All employees must report to work by October 28, 2024, at the latest, ensuring a full workforce presence within the week.
Textron Aviation’s President and CEO, Ron Draper, expressed satisfaction with the agreement, stating, “We are pleased to have ratified a contract with the IAM that offers our employees, their families, and the Wichita community a shared future.” Textron’s statement underlines the company’s commitment to fostering stability and growth alongside the workforce that supports it.
The new contract introduces a structured wage increase plan, offering a total 31% wage increase over the contract’s term, with an 11% immediate raise effective upon ratification. The contract includes incremental raises of 4% in 2025, 5% in 2026, 6% in 2027, and a final 5% raise in 2028, aiming to enhance workers’ financial stability. These wage adjustments reflect Textron’s effort to maintain competitive compensation that aligns with market expectations and the rising cost of living.
Additional improvements within the contract include an increased cost of living adjustment (COLA), which rises from $700 to $1,500 annually. Employees will also receive an annual lump sum payment of $3,000, totaling $15,000 over the contract duration, further enhancing financial security. The new contract recognizes long-serving employees through longevity pay, adding a reward system that acknowledges their loyalty and contributions to the company.
Health benefits have also seen significant enhancements, with caps on annual health insurance premium increases and a commitment to freeze premiums in the company’s no-deductible health plan from 2025 through 2029. These adjustments align with employee concerns about rising healthcare costs, providing stability and predictability in out-of-pocket expenses.
Textron Aviation expressed gratitude to employees who supported customer needs during the strike. “We are proud of and grateful for our team members who have supported our customers during this time,” said a Textron spokesperson. “Over the next few days, we are preparing to welcome our returning employees back to work.” The new contract is set to remain in effect until September 2029, positioning Textron Aviation for a stable operational future while supporting its Wichita workforce.
The strike’s conclusion and contract ratification mark a turning point for Textron Aviation, strengthening its relationship with the workforce and reinforcing its commitment to growth within the aviation sector.
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