Arizona IAM Members at Raytheon Vote to Approve Strong New Labor Agreement

TUCSON, Ariz., October 22, 2023 – The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), North America’s largest aerospace and defense labor union, has ratified an agreement with Raytheon covering approximately 1,000 members in Tucson, Ariz.

The three-year agreement covers IAM Local 933 members at the Raytheon facilities, southern Arizona’s largest private employer.

IAM members at Raytheon manufacture missiles and other advanced arms vital to the U.S. military worldwide to ensure America’s security and leadership.

The IAM negotiating committee recommended accepting the agreement, which includes significant wage increases, improved retirement security and preserved healthcare benefits.

Highlights of the agreement include:

  • The agreement provides IAM members with a 4% increase in 2023. In 2024, they will receive a 3.5% increase, followed by a 3.25% increase in 2025. 
  • $3,000 ratification bonus.
  • Two lump sum bonus payments totaling $2,800 (First payment of $1,500 in January 2024 and second payment of $1,300 in January 2025).
  • Non-contributory pension increase for currently enrolled employees.
  • Protected pension contribution until January 2026.
  • Implementation of the 9/80 work schedule, which will provide at least 25 additional days off allowing employees more flexibility in their workweek and a better work-life balance.
  • Shift differential increase.
  • Rate minimum increases for multiple occupations.
  • CEP education payment increases for all classifications.
  • Enhanced automatic wage progression schedule.
  • Strengthened grievance and arbitration procedures.
  • And more.

“This new contract is a testament to the collective power of a united workforce,” said IAM Local 933 Directing Business Representative Rick Vargas. “Congratulations to all our members at Raytheon for voting overwhelmingly to ratify the new three-year agreement, specifically designed to improve the quality of their lives.”

“I applaud the IAM Local 933 negotiating committee for the ‘Fighting Machinists’ spirit that has led to a solid agreement with notable wage hikes. This offer is a true demonstration of the collective strength of the membership of Local Lodge 933,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Gary R. Allen. “We are proud to support our Raytheon members and excited for this contract’s positive impact on their lives.”

“The negotiation process can be challenging, but I want to congratulate the committee for their hard work and commitment to bring this agreement across the finish line,” said IAM Aerospace Coordinator Tony Wirth. “This three-year contract is a crucial step in guaranteeing fair and satisfactory working conditions for aerospace and defense industry workers.”

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The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers is one of North America’s largest and most diverse industrial trade unions, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries.

IAM Local 933 Negotiating Committee and IAM Grand Lodge Staff

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