Spirit AeroSystems Announces Continued Negotiations with the International Association of Machinists

WICHITA, Kan., June 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Spirit AeroSystems, Inc. announced today that it will meet with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers on Saturday, June 24, to continue negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement.

In a vote on Wednesday, June 21, Spirit workers in Wichita, represented by the IAM Local Lodge 839, rejected a contract proposal that had been agreed by both sides' bargaining committees, which included significant wage increases, a $7,500 ratification bonus, and enhancements to paid time off and job security. The IAM local members also voted to authorize a strike.

"We are disappointed by the outcome of the IAM vote on Wednesday. Since then, however, we have continued to engage with IAM representatives and have agreed to meet on Saturday morning with the IAM bargaining committee and other IAM representatives with the assistance of a mediator from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service," said Tom Gentile, President & CEO of Spirit AeroSystems. "As has been our focus throughout these negotiations, we want to provide our IAM-represented employees a fair-and-competitive contract. We are committed to reaching an agreement with Local 839 as quickly as possible for our employees."

Gentile noted the increasing demand for aircraft production as air travel returns to pre-pandemic levels and stressed that it is important to employees, the company and other stakeholders to continue supporting Spirit customers.

Following Wednesday's vote, Spirit suspended production in Wichita. As Spirit continues to pursue an agreement, the company expects Wichita production operations to remain suspended until that agreement is reached. 

"I am proud of our Spirit employees. They are part of a bright future for this company, and I look forward to building that future together," Gentile said.                                                                       

Spirit AeroSystems, Inc. ("Spirit"), is a subsidiary of Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc. [NYSE: SPR] ("Spirit AeroSystems").

About Spirit AeroSystems Inc.
Spirit AeroSystems is one of the world's largest manufacturers of aerostructures for commercial airplanes, defense platforms, and business/regional jets. With expertise in aluminum and advanced composite manufacturing solutions, the company's core products include fuselages, integrated wings and wing components, pylons, and nacelles. We are leveraging decades of design and manufacturing expertise to be the most innovative and reliable supplier of military aerostructures, and specialty high-temperature materials, enabling warfighters to execute complex, critical missions.  Spirit also serves the aftermarket for commercial and business/regional jets. Headquartered in Wichita, Kansas, Spirit has facilities in the U.S., U.K., France, Malaysia and Morocco. More information is available at www.spiritaero.com.

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SOURCE Spirit AeroSystems