Aircraft assembly workers at Boeing factories near Seattle and other locations took a drastic step early Friday, walking off the job en masse after union members voted overwhelmingly to reject a tentative contract and go on strike.
The strike, which began at 12:01 a.m. PDT, has brought production to a grinding halt, leaving thousands of workers idle and the company reeling. The move is a significant escalation of tensions between Boeing and its workforce, which has been seeking better pay and working conditions.
The tentative contract, which was rejected by union members, would have increased wages by 25% over four years. However, workers were apparently unhappy with the offer, citing concerns that it did not adequately address their needs or recognize their contributions to the company's success.
The strike is a major blow to Boeing, which has been struggling to recover from a series of setbacks, including the 737 MAX crisis and supply chain disruptions. The company has been working to ramp up production and delivery of its aircraft, but the strike is likely to cause significant delays and disruptions.
The union, which represents thousands of Boeing workers, has been negotiating with the company for weeks, seeking a new contract that addresses issues such as wages, benefits, and working conditions. However, talks broke down, leading to the strike.
The strike has significant implications for the airline industry, which relies heavily on Boeing for aircraft deliveries. The company's customers, including major airlines, may face delays or cancellations of their orders, which could have a ripple effect on the entire industry.
As the strike continues, both sides are likely to engage in intense negotiations to reach a new agreement. However, it remains to be seen how long the strike will last and what impact it will have on Boeing and the broader industry.