It occurs just hours before an important union ballot that could lead to labor unrest at the struggling business.
Union officials and the management of the aviation behemoth struck a deal earlier this week that calls for a 25% salary increase over the course of four years, but union members have not yet ratified it.
Workers would have a second chance to decide whether to begin a walkout as early as Friday if they vote against the accord.
In his memo to the staff, Mr. Ortberg added, “I ask you not to sacrifice the opportunity to secure our future together, because of the frustrations of the past.”
I am confident that if we work together, we can get back on track, but a strike would jeopardize our joint recuperation.
In addition to the 25% salary increase that has been suggested, the preliminary agreement would provide employees with better healthcare and retirement benefits, as well as 12 weeks of paid parental leave.
If the project is initiated during the term of the deal, Boeing will also pledge to build its next commercial aircraft in the Seattle region.
At first, the union sought to improve workers’ packages in several ways, including a 40% wage increase.
It seems, though, that the 30,000 Boeing employees that the union represents had a mixed response.
