4-year contract ratified by over 99% margin

Just one week after Teamsters Local 174 members at Boeing unanimously authorized a strike, the group came back together this Sunday to ratify a strong 4-year contract by a margin of 99%. The full group consists of 220 Local 174 members responsible for transporting aircraft engines, fuselages and other aircraft parts totaling up to 140 feet long, hazardous materials, and people including customers and executives. They also operate the tankers involved in fueling and de-fueling aircraft.

The atmosphere in the two meetings could not have been more different. The mood of anger that was prevalent after the strike vote evaporated completely, replaced by a feeling of relief and praise for the hardworking Bargaining Committee and what was achieved at the negotiating table.

The four-year agreement is a major victory for these highly skilled workers. Workers will now be covered by a contract that includes wage increases, maintains their pension and healthcare benefits, and most importantly, gives the group access to the new Retirees “XL Plus” Healthcare plan, which dramatically reduces the cost of healthcare for Teamster retirees and their families and brings retirement into reach for many who might otherwise have struggled.

“What a difference a week makes, and what a victory this is for our members at Boeing and for workers everywhere,” said Teamsters Local 174 Secretary-Treasurer Rick Hicks. “Last week we were ready to take this fight to the street, and we received support from the entire Labor community, from Washington elected officials, and from the people of the Puget Sound area. Everyone stood together to tell Boeing they needed to start investing in their most valuable asset – their workers. And the company listened. We can all be proud of how one community can speak one message in one clear voice, and win a victory that benefits us all.”

Founded in 1909, Teamsters Local 174 represents 8,600 working men and women in Seattle and the surrounding areas. “Like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TeamstersLocal174.