UPDATE
June 22, 2010

Spirit AeroSystems has reached a tentative agreement with members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local Lodge 839

A formal announcement is expected on Wednesday.

May 8, 2010

Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local Lodge 839 in Wichita, KS voted by a 98% margin for a strike sanction for the contract negotiations with Spirit AeroSystems in Wichita.

The strike sanction vote is a legal and procedural vote required by the IAM Constitution, and does not mean there will be a strike. Negotiations between Spirit and the Machinists are underway, and the contract expires on June 25th, 2010.

“This is part of the process,” said District 70 Directing Business Representative Steve Rooney. “A strong strike sanction vote is a vote of confidence from our membership in our Union negotiators, giving them the bargaining power to secure a fair and equitable contract. When the contract is negotiated, the membership then makes the final decision.”

The IAM and Spirit Negotiators are exploring the possibility of negotiating a new model of labor agreement, to increase job security and save Wichita Aerospace Jobs. “The bottom line is jobs, jobs, jobs,” said Rooney. “The IAM is committed to leave no stone unturned to ensure we keep good jobs in Wichita. We will partner with companies who are willing to keep and grow aerospace jobs in America.”