Textron workers end strike, new contract ratified

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On Sunday, Textron Machinist workers ratified a new five-year agreement and ended a month-long strike. With the new contract, workers will see a 31 percent General Wage Increase over the life of the contract with an 11 percent increase immediately, a cost of living adjustment that more than doubles from the previous contract, new longevity pay to recognize long-term employees, capped health insurance premiums and added free services.

“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 Aviation President and CEO Ron Draper said. “We value our workforce and the work they do, and this agreement reflects our commitment to our team. The ratification of this contract marks a new chapter, and we are eager to move forward together.”

“Our skilled members in Wichita know what it takes to make Textron Aviation products just like they know how to stick together for what’s right,” IAM International President Brian Bryant said. “The dedication it takes to stand up with your Brothers and Sisters to fight for what you deserve is admirable, and the entire IAM is beyond proud of Local 774.”

New contract:

The duration of the contract was extended from four to five years, which resulted in a total GWI of 31 percent over the life of the contract, with an immediate 11 percent increase upon ratification. This will be followed by annual adjustments, with a four percent increase in 2025, a five percent increase in 2026, a six percent increase in 2027, and with the new contract an additional five percent wage increase in 2028. This is in addition to the four percent increase Textron provided in 2022, due to inflation.

There will be a Cost of Living Adjustment maximum of more than double from the previous contract, from $700 to $1,500 per year. There is a guaranteed $3,000 annual lump sum payment totaling $15,000 for each employee over the life of the contract. With the new contract, Textron will now have longevity pay to recognize long-term employees.

Textron capped increases on annual health insurance premiums for low and high-deductible plans. There will be no premium increases from 2025 through 2029 to the company’s no deductible health plan, now with free services added to the Plane Healthy Wellness Centers and Pharmacy locations, effective Jan. 1, 2025. The free services include free primary care visits, free preventative care, free mental health care, free health coaching, free physical therapy and free labs and x-rays. Textron has also increased the company match to nine percent in the 401K Textron Savings Plan.

The company will be making the necessary preparations for the employees who have been on strike to return to work starting Wednesday.

On Sept. 21 Textron workers rejected a contract offer and chose to stroke. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 774 members were pursuing better pay, health care and job security and Textron was committed to coming to an agreement. IAM members chose to accept the latest contract offer, covering the nearly 5,000 members across three campuses in Wichita.

“Our members know what matters to them and used their voices as the essential tool to gain more,” said IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Craig Martin. “Textron Aviation is a powerhouse in today’s market and needed to offer more. I am proud of our members in Wichita – they stood strong and won for their families and communities.”

As Textron’s strike ends, more than 33,000 of Boeing’s workers have been on strike since Sept. 13. The Boeing workers received a new contract proposal on Saturday and will vote on Wednesday, as Textron’s employees return to work. Textron workers fought over wages and healthcare and with the ratification of the recent offer, will end their strike and return to work. The new offer will be backdated to Sept. 23 and remain in effect until September 2029.

“We know aircraft in Wichita,” said IAM District 70 Business Representative for Local 774 Clint Shockley. “We also know family, survival, and our members’ rooted values here. Local 774 members have shown that through collective action and won.”