WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — Machinists union members assembled at Park City Arena on Saturday, where they rejected the final contract offer from Textron Aviation. Union members voted against the final contract and also moved to strike, KSN has learned. 81% of union members voted to strike. Textron Aviation posted the following statement to their their website. Textron Aviation is disappointed that IAM District 70, Local Lodge 774 members did not vote to accept the proposed four-year contract with Textron Aviation and have chosen to strike. The contract offer, which took six weeks of thoughtful and good-faith negotiations by both the Union and the company negotiating committees, provided a plan that aimed to protect the future of all Textron Aviation employees and the Wichita community.  No one benefits from a strike, and the company has made every effort to avoid one. However, as would be expected of any responsible business, the company has prepared for this scenario to ensure the business continues to operate for customers.  Textron Aviation is as committed as ever to collaborating and agreeing upon a contract with the IAM that acknowledges employees’ contributions and sets all up for long-term success. Textron Aviation statement IAM Local 774 Members at Textron Aviation released the following statement. Nearly 5,000 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Local 774 (District 70) at Textron Aviation in Wichita, Kan., have overwhelmingly rejected the company’s offer. The current agreement expires just after midnight on Monday, Sept. 23. As a united front, IAM Local 774 members are pursuing improved pay rates, healthcare, and job security after having voiced their concerns regarding compensation and benefits, highlighting the pressing need for enhancements to ensure the well-being and livelihoods of all workers. The IAM looks forward to returning to the table with Textron Aviation leadership to work on an equitable agreement for both parties. IAM Local 774 The current contract expires at 11:59 p.m. Sunday, and the company and the International Association of Machinists Local Lodge 774 have been negotiating a new contract for over a month. Late Wednesday, the company presented its final contract offer. Some of the key points are: A 26% general wage increase over the life of the contract: 11% effective immediately upon ratification of the contract, 4% on Sept. 21, 2025, 5% on Sept. 20, 2026, and 6% on Sept. 19, 2027. The wage increase is in addition to a 4% general wage increase added in 2022. The cost of living adjustment maximum has been increased from $700 to $1,500 a year. There is a guaranteed $3,000 lump sum payment every year of the contract. The 401K match increases to 9%. New longevity pay to be paid yearly: $250 for 5 to 10 years of service, $500 for 10 to 15 years, and $1,000 for more than 15 years. A zero increase to the no-deductible plan health insurance premium. Increases to the low- and high-deductible premiums will be capped at a 3% increase annually. The contract is 57 pages long. Textron Aviation summed it up in a five-page document.