Boeing, Union Reach Preliminary Deal To Avert Seattle-area Strike

Work looks more likely to continue at Boeing's Everett, Washington plant after union leaders reached a prelminiary deal with the company on a new contract that would avert a strike (Credit: AFP)

Boeing has agreed on a preliminary new contract with union leaders that includes a hefty wage hike that would avert a strike in the Seattle region, the two sides announced Sunday.

The agreement, which must be ratified by workers, includes a 25 percent wage increase over the four-year life of the contract, according to Boeing and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 751, which represents more than 33,000 workers.