IAM Union Calls on Boeing to Put Manufacturing Standards, Workers First in Spirit AeroSystems Acquisition

WICHITA, Kan., July 1, 2024 - The 600,000-member International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), North America's largest aerospace labor union, released the following statement on the Boeing Co.'s planned acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems:

"The IAM is carefully evaluating Boeing's acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems and will continue to work with management on implementing policies to improve manufacturing processes and standards, as well as put our members' interests at the forefront. The IAM is currently engaged in contract negotiations for more than 32,000 members at Boeing in the Puget Sound, as well as providing members the assistance and resources they need to overcome the challenge of the recent workforce reduction at Spirit's Wichita manufacturing facility. We will be conducting thorough discussions in the coming months to ensure that our members' contractual rights are enforced throughout this process.

"IAM members at both Boeing and Sprit have persevered through numerous industry challenges, including cyclical downturns, the Boeing 737 Max crisis, defense spending shifts, global market fluctuations, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Our top priority will always be to ensure our members are treated fairly and respectfully throughout this process while strengthening the aerospace industry."

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is among the largest industrial trade unions in North America and represents nearly 600,000 active and retired members in the manufacturing, aerospace, defense, airline, railroad, transportation, shipbuilding, woodworking, health care, and other industries.