Boeing has announced that it has reached a tentative agreement with a union representing more than 30,000 employees, potentially avoiding a massive strike and ensuring that its next plane will be manufactured in its original home base of Seattle. This marks the first full contract negotiation with District 751 of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers since 2008 when workers went on strike before a deal was eventually reached. For over a decade, the union's workers have been operating under the same contract, which has merely been extended during this period.

The preliminary deal was announced by Boeing on Sunday. The agreement includes a 25% wage increase, additional retirement funds, improved health benefits, and more paid time off. Significantly, the contract also guarantees that the next Boeing plane will be built in Seattle. “This contract deepens our commitment to the Pacific Northwest,” stated Stephanie Pope, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, in a video message to employees on Sunday. “Boeing's roots are here in Washington. It is where generations of workers have built incredible airplanes that connect the world.

And it’s why we’re excited that, as part of the contract, our team in the Puget Sound region will build Boeing’s next new airplane.” Although a strike by the union was looming for September 13, the union members will now vote on Boeing’s proposed deal. Should the deal be rejected, union members could agree to commence a walkout starting Friday morning, according to NPR. Melvin Backman contributed to this article.