Wichita Engineering Unit SPEEA members approve six-year contract with Spirit AeroSystems
Nearly 1,000 engineers represented by SPEEA, IFPTE Local 2001, at Spirit AeroSystems approved a new six-year contract by a significant margin.
Validated and counted at the SPEEA Wichita office Tuesday (Oct. 16), the final tally showed 400 to accept and 173 to reject. There were 573 valid ballots.
The new contract provides annual raises, increased overtime pays and a $4,000 signing bonus. Employees also agreed to changes to the medical plans that phase-in during the contract.
Accept
Reject
400
173
“We were able to secure a number of improvements needed and sought by members,” said SPEEA Midwest Director B.J. Moore. “Like all negotiations, both sides needed to, and did make some compromises.”
Formal negotiations started in May and continued through the summer and fall. A complete offer received tentative agreement from
Midwest members help union Tellers with the ballot count at the SPEEA Wichita office, Tuesday, Oct. 16. From left are Dave Driver, Joe Abbott, Rick Nelson and Midwest Teller R.G. Reser.
the SPEEA Negotiation Team on Sept. 24. The union held a number of lunchtime and afterwork meetings to present the offer and answer members’ questions. Ballots were mailed to the homes of members on Sept. 28.
The SPEEA Negotiation Team and the Bargaining Unit Council (local council representatives) recommended members approve the contract offer. The union’s position was strengthened by steadily increasing membership during negotiations, reaching a record 73% by the time ballots were mailed to members.
The new six-year contract takes effect Dec. 2 and continues through Dec. 1, 2024.
Midwest members Dave Driver (left) and Joe Abbott (seated) help union Tellers empty the ballot box to start counting votes and determine if engineers at Spirit AeroSystems ratify their contract offer. If approved, the new six-year agreement will cover more than 970 SPEEA-represented engineers at the aerospace supplier. Look for results here after counting and certification by Midwest Teller R.G. Reser (center).
Ballot count Tuesday, Oct. 16
WEU members voting on Spirit contract offer
SPEEA member Ben McKinnie cast his ballot at the SPEEA Wichita office. The SPEEA Midwest Tellers count ballots Tuesday, Oct. 16. If ratified, the Wichita Engineering Unit (WEU) contract takes effect Dec. 2.
WICHITA - Members of the Wichita Engineering Unit (WEU) are voting on a six-year contract offer from Spirit AeroSystems.
The WEU Negotiation Team and the WEU Bargaining Unit Council (local Council Representatives) are each recommending members accept the offer that covers nearly 1,000 SPEEA-represented engineers.
Negotiation team members, along with SPEEA staff and President Joel Funfar held seven workplace and after-hours meetings to inform and explain details of the offer from Spirit.
Voting packages went in the mail to members Sept. 28 and included contract highlights and the red-line showing changes.
Ballots are due by 5 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 16, at the SPEEA Wichita office. Results will be posted online when certified by the Midwest Tellers.
If ratified by members, the new contract takes effect Dec. 2 and continues through Dec. 1, 2024.
Membership steadily increased during negotiations and reached a record high of more than 73% of the bargaining unit.
SPEEA WEU Negotiation Team
R Matthew Joyce (Chair)
Elisa Acosta (Vice Chair)
John Poettker (Secretary)
Keith Covert
Eric Stewart
Friday, Oct. 5 Spirit salary charts for SPEEA members online
Salary charts are now online for SPEEA-represented employees at Spirit AeroSystems.
Access to the salary charts is provided to regular,
dues-paying SPEEA members in good standing.
Ballots mailed - Friday, Sept 28, 2018
WEU members to vote on Spirit contract offer
Voting packages are in the mail to the homes of dues-paying members in the Wichita Engineering Unit (WEU) to vote on the contract offer from Spirit AeroSystems.
The WEU Negotiation Team and the WEU Bargaining Unit Council (local Council Representatives) are each recommending members accept the offer for a new six-year contract that covers nearly 1,000 SPEEA-represented engineers.
Negotiation team members, along with SPEEA staff and President Joel Funfar held a series of meetings to inform and explain details of the offer from Spirit.
Members should look for the envelope from SPEEA marked ‘Ballot Enclosed.’ The ballot packet includes voting instructions, a letter stating the Negotiation Team and WEU Council recommend voting to “Accept,” a summary of the contract offer and the ballot with a postage-paid return envelope.
Deadline to vote
Ballots are due by 5 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 16. To be valid, ballots must have only the vote marked (no other writing) and the backside of the return envelope must have the member’s full name and Employee ID printed on the designated lines.
Ballots returned by mail must reach SPEEA’s Post Office Box or the Midwest office by 5 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 16. Results will be posted to the website after counting and certification by SPEEA Midwest Tellers.
If ratified by members, the new six-year contract takes effect Dec. 2 and continues through Dec. 1, 2024.
Membership steadily increased during negotiations. Today it stands at a record high of more than 73% of the bargaining unit.
SPEEA WEU Negotiation Team
R Matthew Joyce (Chair)
Elisa Acosta (Vice Chair)
John Poettker (Secretary)
Keith Covert
Eric Stewart
WEU Negotiations - Sept. 24, 2018 Contract offer lifted, meetings set to present to members
SPEEA President Joel Funfar, red shirt at podium, along with the Wichita Engineering Unit Negotiation Team and SPEEA staff, inform represented employees about the recent offer for a new, six-year contract from Spirit AeroSystems. More meetings are planned this week in Wichita.
The SPEEA Wichita Engineering Unit (WEU) Negotiation Team received a complete offer for a new six-year contract from Spirit AeroSystems today (Monday, Sept. 24). The WEU Negotiation Team and the WEU Bargaining Unit Council (local council representatives) are each recommending members accept the offer.
A schedule for a mail-in ballot is being finalized. Watch your email and the SPEEA website for details.
Lunchtime and after work meetings are planned throughout the week to inform members about the offer. No food will be provided. Represented employees are encouraged to attend one of the meetings listed below to learn about the offer. WEU Negotiation Team members, along with SPEEA staff, will be available to answer questions.
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
1-198D, Room 200
(Nacelle Bldg.)
4 to 5 p.m.
IPB 3, Room 106
(Auditorium)
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
1-198D, Room 200
(Nacelle Bldg.)
4 to 5 p.m.
IPB 3, Room 106
(Auditorium)
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
IPB 3, Room 106
(Auditorium)
Membership has steadily increased during negotiations. Today it stands at a record high of more than 73% of the bargaining unit. Only full, dues-paying SPEEA members in the Wichita Engineering Unit have voting rights.
SPEEA WEU Negotiation Team
R Matthew Joyce (Chair)
Elisa Acosta (Vice Chair)
John Poettker (Secretary)
Keith Covert
Eric Stewart
WEU Negotiations - Sept. 21, 2018 “Red Shirt Monday” called to show we need a good contract!
After continued discussions, exchanging language and details with Spirit,
our Wichita Engineering Unit (WEU) team will meet face-to-face with
management Monday (Sept. 24) with the desire to secure a complete contract offer.
To show support for the effort, the SPEEA WEU team is asking all represented
employees to wear their SPEEA, or other, red shirt on Monday. Let’s show
management employees support our negotiation team!
Our goal remains to work amicably and cooperatively, focusing on negotiating
a total package that is acceptable to WEU-represented employees and the company.
The SPEEA-Spirit WEU contract expires Dec. 1.
WEU Negotiations- Sept. 7, 2018 Progress continues, more needed
The Wichita Engineering Unit (WEU) Negotiation Team continues to exchange concepts and language with Spirit management.
While some unanswered questions remain, our efforts continue to stress the increased value SPEEA-represented employees bring to and produce for Spirit.
With more than 73% of bargaining unit employees now full, dues-paying members, we are hopeful a Tentative Agreement for members to reiew can be reached in the upcoming weeks.
WEU Negotiations- Aug. 23, 2018 Progress in some areas, more needed
The Wichita Engineering Unit (WEU) Negotiations Team and SPEEA staff resumed negotiations this week with Spirit AeroSystems for a new contract for our nearly 1,000 represented engineers.
While there has been positive movement in certain areas, there is a great divide in a few essential areas of negotiations. We will meet with the company again on Friday (Aug. 24) and subsequent dates as necessary.
SPEEA email to WEU - July 13, 2018 Special meeting to answer contract and representation questions
The SPEEA WEU Negotiation Team and Midwest Director B.J. Moore invite you to attend a special meeting designed to provide an overview of the SPEEA contract, negotiation process and answer your questions regarding union-representation. No contract negotiation progress can be discussed at this time.
After steady progress during our first sessions of talks, negotiations are now on a break until mid-August. This provides an opportunity to learn more about the process from team members who negotiate on our behalf with Spirit management.
With membership steadily growing this year, the WEU is in an excellent position for these negotiations.
Meetings are planned for 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the following days and locations:
Wednesday, July 18
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. IBP3 Auditorium
Thursday, July 19
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Strut Nacelle Room 200
Save your seat by emailing your RSVP, indicating your meeting choice IBP3 or NAC, to vickim@speea.org.
We look forward to meeting you!
SPEEA WEU Negotiation Team
R Matthew Joyce, Chair
Elisa Acosta, Vice Chair
John Poettker, Secretary
Keith Covert
Eric Stewart
B.J. Moore, Midwest Director
Joint Communications - June 22, 2018 WEU Negotiations update
WICHITA – After meeting daily for the past two weeks, Negotiation teams for SPEEA-represented engineers and Spirit AeroSystems agreed to break for the first part of summer and plan for reconvening in August.
While much work remains, discussions continue to be open and productive. To date, no complete offer has passed between teams.
During the break, teams will be analyzing and reviewing options. Both sides remain committed to working the issues and are hopeful for a positive outcome.
Last negotiated in 2012, the current contract expires Dec. 1, 2018. Negotiations will determine the next contract for the approximately 980 engineers at Spirit AeroSystems in the WEU. In addition to the engineers, there are about 1,650 technical and professional workers at Spirit covered by a separate contract.
Joint Communications - June 13, 2018 Main table negotiations underway
Wichita - Contract negotiations between SPEEA’s Wichita Engineering Unit (WEU) and Spirit AeroSystems resumed Monday.
After breaking for the Memorial Day holiday, negotiation teams worked internally. With early discussions productive, the teams moved to a neutral, off-site location this week to help facilitate main table discussions. While such important conversations can sometimes be difficult, both sides are hopeful for a positive outcome.
Negotiations will determine the next contract for the approximately 980 engineers at Spirit AeroSystems in the WEU. In addition to the engineers, there are about 1,650 technical and professional workers at Spirit covered by a separate contract.
Joint Communications - May 25, 2018 Subcommittees continue discussions
Wichita - Negotiation teams from SPEEA and Spirit AeroSystems continued working in subcommittees this week, and talks remain productive. Discussions will resume after the holiday weekend.
Have a safe Memorial Day weekend as we honor the men and women who have bravely served our nation.
Joint Communications -May 9, 2018 Negotiation teams working internally, subcommittees
resume next week
After kicking off negotiations and beginning subcommittee work last week, negotiation teams for SPEEA and Spirit are working internally this week.
The internal work includes completing data requests and preparing for more in-depth talks. Negotiations will resume next week in subcommittees. The schedule for discussions is being finalized. The current contract expires Dec. 1.
Negotiations will determine the next contract for the approximately 980 engineers at Spirit AeroSystems in the SPEEA Wichita Engineering Unit (WEU). In addition to the engineers, there are about 1,650 technical and professional workers at Spirit covered by a separate contract.
May 2, 2018 SPEEA and Spirit open negotiations for WEU engineers
Negotiation Teams for Spirit and SPEEA engineers meet to open contract talks Wednesday.
WICHITA - Negotiation teams for SPEEA-represented engineers and Spirit AeroSystems met Wednesday to kick-off talks for a new contract for engineers in in the Wichita Engineering Unit (WEU).
The 90-minute session allowed negotiators from SPEEA and Spirit to meet, discuss the process and agree to times and dates for initial sub-committee meetings. Negotiations continued with meetings on Thursday and planned for the coming week. The groups will provide updates weekly as this process moves forward.
“We look forward to productive and collaborative talks,” said SPEEA Midwest Director B.J. Moore.
Last negotiated in 2012, the current contract expires Dec. 1, 2018. Today, SPEEA represents approximately 980 engineers at Spirit AeroSystems.
“Spirit continues to be appreciative of the great relationship we have with SPEEA,” said Senior Vice President of Engineering John Pilla. “We look forward to positive discussions.”
SPEEA WEU Negotiation Team members spent the past month meeting with members in the workplace and working to prepare for formal negotiations with Spirit.
Membership had grown steadily in the past year.
“The team appreciates the membership growth,” said R Matthew Joyce, chair of the WEU team. “Every additional member helps secure a better contract for everyone.”
In addition to the engineers in the WEU, SPEEA represents approximately 1,650 technical and professional workers at Spirit in the Wichita Technical and Professional Unit (WTPU).
Jan. 25, 2018 Members elected for WEU Negotiation Team
Members of the Wichita Engineering Unit (WEU) Negotiation Team are Eric Stewart (left), Elisa Acosta (vice chair), R Matthew Joyce (chair), John Poettker (secretary) and Keith Covert.
The Wichita Engineering Unit (WEU) Negotiation Team this week made the two alternates full, voting members of the team and elected team officers.
R Matthew Joyce (chair)
Elisa Acosta (vice chair)
John Poettker (secretary)
Keith Covert
Eric Stewart
Team members also named Midwest Director B.J. Moore as team spokesman.
The team is now holding regular meetings and working with staff as preparations continue for contract negotiations later this year with Spirit AeroSystems. The team was selected at a special meeting of the WEU Bargaining Unit Council on Thursday, Jan. 25. The SPEEA-Spirit WEU contract expires Dec. 1.
Contract Expiration Dates
Wichita Engineering Unit
Dec. 1, 2018
Triumph - Spokane, Wash.
Sept. 30, 2020
Wichita Technical & Professional Unit
January 31, 2021
