Boeing Workers Vote to Strike for the First Time in 16 Years

Walkout to begin Monday after union rejects contract offer

Workers demand higher wages, better benefits

More than 1,400 Boeing workers in the Seattle area voted overwhelmingly to reject the company's latest contract offer and authorize a strike, the first at the aerospace giant in 16 years.

The vote, which was held on Friday, was 96% in favor of a strike. The walkout is set to begin on Monday, July 18, and will affect production of the 737 jetliner.

The union representing the workers, the Machinists Union District Lodge 751, said in a statement that the company's offer did not meet its members' demands for higher wages and better benefits.

"Our members have spoken loud and clear," said union president Tom Wroblewski. "They are tired of being treated unfairly and they are demanding a better future for themselves and their families."

Boeing said in a statement that it was "disappointed" by the vote but that it remained committed to reaching a fair and equitable agreement with the union.

"We believe that our offer is fair and competitive, and we are confident that we can reach an agreement that is in the best interests of our employees and our company," the company said.

The strike is the latest in a series of labor disputes in the aerospace industry in recent years. In 2020, workers at Spirit AeroSystems went on strike for 10 weeks over wages and benefits.

The Boeing strike is expected to have a significant impact on the company's operations. The 737 is one of Boeing's most popular jetliners, and the company has a backlog of hundreds of orders for the plane.

The strike could also lead to delays in the delivery of new 737s to airlines, which could have a ripple effect on the travel industry.