Several thousand Boeing workers walked off the job early Monday at three Midwest plants where the company manufactures military aircraft and weapons, a move that could hamper Boeing’s efforts to stabilize its finances.
The strike involves around 3,200 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, who voted Sunday to reject a revised four-year labor contract. The affected facilities are located in St. Louis and St. Charles, Missouri, and Mascoutah, Illinois.
“These workers build the defense systems that protect our nation,” said Sam Cicinelli, general vice president of the union’s Midwest division. “They deserve a contract that offers real security and reflects their skill and dedication.”
The vote came after a weeklong cooling-off period, following the rejection of a prior offer that included a 20% raise over four years and a $5,000 signing bonus.
Boeing, anticipating the strike, said over the weekend that its latest proposal did not increase the wage offer but did remove a controversial scheduling rule that could have limited workers’ overtime opportunities.
