Textron Aviation Workers Vote to Strike After Rejecting Contract Offer
approximately 5,000 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Local 774 in Wichita, Kansas, decisively rejected Textron Aviation’s final contract offer and voted to strike. The strike officially commenced at 00:01 local time on September 23, 2024, reflecting a growing movement among aviation workers advocating for better pay and improved working conditions.
This strike action follows a similar wave of labor unrest in the aviation sector. Just days prior, on September 13, 2024, around 33,000 Boeing machinists in the northwest United States initiated a strike after rejecting a proposed 25% pay increase over four years, signaling widespread dissatisfaction with current compensation standards in the industry.
The vote against Textron Aviation’s contract proposal was overwhelming, with nearly two-thirds of the workers supporting the strike. The rejected deal, presented to employees on September 18, 2024, included a proposed 26% salary increase over four years, along with bonuses and additional benefits.
Under the rejected contract, employees with five to ten years of experience would have received a $250 annual bonus, while those with ten to fifteen years would get $500, and workers with over fifteen years of service would earn $1,000 each year. Furthermore, all bargaining unit members were promised a guaranteed lump sum of $3,000 for each year of the agreement.
In an official statement on September 21, 2024, IAM confirmed the decision to strike. The union emphasized that workers are advocating for improved pay rates, better healthcare, and job security, citing ongoing concerns regarding compensation and benefits. “Our members at Textron Aviation are dedicated workers who deserve a fair contract that recognizes their hard work,” said Lisa Whitley, District 70 President and Directing Business Representative. “This isn’t just about our members. A good agreement benefits the entire Wichita community. We’re hopeful for a positive outcome for everyone.”
In response to the strike announcement, Textron Aviation expressed disappointment that IAM Local Lodge 774 members chose to strike rather than accept the proposed contract. “No one benefits from a strike, and the company has made every effort to avoid one,” the company stated. “However, as would be expected of any responsible business, the company has prepared for this scenario to ensure the business continues to operate for customers.”
Textron Aviation also reiterated its commitment to collaborating with IAM to reach a contract agreement, although it remains unclear when negotiations will resume.
With around 10,000 machinists employed at Textron Aviation in Kansas, nearly half have been with the company for over 15 years. The union is responsible for manufacturing and servicing Cessna and Beechcraft aircraft at the facilities located in east and west Wichita.
As the strike unfolds, it highlights the increasing solidarity among aviation workers advocating for fair wages and improved working conditions in a competitive industry, raising questions about the future of labor relations in aviation.