Over 3,200 Boeing defense workers strike after contract rejection

Over 3,200 Boeing defense manufacturing employees in the St. Louis area and Illinois initiated a strike on Monday after rejecting a proposed four-year labor agreement. The union members, involved in the assembly of fighter jets, declined the company's latest contract offer, which would have increased average wages by approximately 40%, including a 20% general raise, along with enhanced benefits such as more vacation days and sick leave. Boeing Defense stated it was prepared for the strike and plans to execute a contingency strategy utilizing non-union workers to maintain production. Union representative Chris Albin emphasized the dissatisfaction among members with the company's final proposal, indicating it did not meet their expectations. Boeing's CEO Kelly Ortberg downplayed concerns about the strike's impact, referencing the company's ability to survive a similar seven-week strike last year involving employees in commercial aircraft production in the Northwest region.