Fort Worth, TX - June 28, 2009 - Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, today announced it has reached a new contract agreement with the United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) Local 317, which represents 340 office and clerical workers at Bell facilities in Fort Worth, Hurst, Arlington, Grand Prairie and Roanoke, Texas.
Members of UAW Local 317 ratified the three-year contract earlier today with an 86% vote in favor of the new agreement. Included in this contract is a healthcare package with three options similar to the plan most other Bell and Textron employees have.
“We worked hard to come up with a new contract that is beneficial for our 317 members, our customers and our company. This new contract will help us continue to improve our manufacturing processes and enhance our ability to meet our customer needs now and in the future,” said Dick Millman, Bell president and CEO.
About Bell Helicopter
Bell Helicopter, a wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Inc., is an industry-leading producer of commercial and military, manned and unmanned vertical lift aircraft and the pioneer of the revolutionary tilt rotor aircraft. Globally recognized for world-class customer service, innovation and superior quality, Bell's global workforce serves customers flying Bell aircraft in more than 120 countries.
About Textron Inc.
Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron in known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, and Textron Systems. More information is available at www.textron.com.