The Machinists union negotiating committee is asking union members to vote in favor of Textron Aviation’s “best and final” contract offer, but some union members say they would rather strike.

Textron Aviation has proposed its final contract offer to Boeing employees represented by the machinists union before the contract expires at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 22. The new proposed four-year contract offers a 26% pay increase over the four years,

Union members at Textron Aviation held the rally at Naftzger Park in downtown Wichita near the hotel where company and union officials are conducting the negotiations. After the rally, the group marched down the sidewalk to the hotel blowing whistles and fog horns.

Tuesday afternoon’s “Solidarity Rally” supported the union’s 2024 negotiations committee, working toward a new contract.

WICHITA—Textron Aviation presented its best and final offer of a new four-year labor contract to the machinists union Sept. 18, one which includes a 26% wage increase over the life of the contract, cost-of-living adjustments, $3,000 lump sum payments in each of the four years and other benefits.

"We believe this is one of the best contracts in decades, which is why the Local Lodge 774 negotiating committee is recommending ratification," IAM District 70 president Lisa Whitley said.