Boeing workers in Missouri and Illinois go on strike

A strike will therefore now begin at midnight on Monday. With their vote, the Boeing employees have made it "loud and clear" that they deserve a collective bargaining agreement "that reflects their qualifications, their dedication and the critical role they play in the defense of our country," explained IAM representative Tom Boelling. Union president Brian Bryant said the members had "every right" to demand a contract that reflected their jobs.

Boeing had initially offered a wage increase of 20 percent over four years and more vacation time in the wage dispute. However, this offer had already been rejected a week ago. According to Boeing, the revised wage offer provided for a 40 percent wage increase.

Dan Gillian, Vice President of Boeing Air Dominance and manager of the St. Louis plant, reacted "disappointed" to the rejection of the offer. However, Boeing is "prepared for a strike" and has a contingency plan to maintain production with non-striking employees.

Safety problems with airplanes and weeks of strikes led to high losses for Boeing last year.