"We think this is a hugely important workforce," said Textron Inc.'s CEO of the machinists at Wichita's Textron Aviation.

After nearly a month on strike, aviation workers in Wichita are expected to return to work after their union voted Sunday to accept the latest contract offer from Textron Aviation.

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers District 70, Local Lodge 774, ratified a new five-year contract to end the four-week strike at Textron Aviation.

Textron Aviation machinists have been on strike since Sept. 23. Now, Wichita and its aviation industry await how workers will respond to this latest contract offer. UPDATED 8:50 p.m. Oct. 17: IAM Local 774 shared Thursday evening the contract ratification vote will take place Saturday and Sunday at 3830 S.

IAM International president Brian Bryant said: "Our skilled members in Wichita know what it takes to make Textron Aviation products just like they know how to stick together for w

WICHITA — Striking Machinists union members at Textron Aviation are scheduled to begin returning to work this week. Union members voted over the weekend to accept the company’s latest contract offer.

Striking Machinists union members at Textron Aviation are scheduled to begin returning to work this week. Union members voted over the weekend to accept the company’s latest contract offer. The union had rejected the first contract proposal and went on strike Sept.

"We are pleased to have ratified a contract with the IAM that offers our employees, their families and the Wichita community a shared future," Textron Aviation CEO Ron Draper said.