SEATTLE (AP) 鈥� Unionized machinists at Boeing voted Monday to accept and end after more than seven weeks, clearing the way for the aerospace giant to resume production of its bestselling airliner and generate much-needed cash.
Leaders of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers district in Seattle said 59% of members who cast ballots agreed to approve the company鈥檚 fourth formal offer and the third put to a vote. The deal includes pay raises of 38% over four years, and ratification and productivity bonuses.
However, Boeing refused to meet strikers鈥� demand to restore that was frozen nearly a decade ago.
The contract鈥檚 ratification on the clears the way for a major U.S. manufacturer and government contractor to restart Pacific Northwest assembly lines that the factory workers鈥� walkout have idled for 53 days.
According to the union, the 33,000 workers it represents can return to work as soon as Wednesday or as late as Nov. 12. Boeing鈥檚 CEO has said it might take 鈥渁 couple of weeks鈥� to resume production in part because some could need retraining.
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Koenig reported from Dallas. Associated Press writer Hannah Schoenbaum contributed from Salt Lake City.
David Koenig And Lindsey Wasson, The Associated Press
