Thousands of Boeing workers who make the F-15 and F/A-18 fighter jets are about to go on strike

Core Points - Approximately 3,200 workers at Boeing facilities in Missouri and Illinois are set to strike due to a contract dispute, involving plants that manufacture military aircraft and missile technologies [1][2] - The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers union has stated that the strike follows the failure to reach a four-year contract agreement before the previous terms expired [2] - Boeing has expressed disappointment over the union's rejection of an offer that included an average wage growth of 40% and addressed alternative work schedules [3] Company Operations - Boeing's St. Louis facility is a key site for military aircraft manufacturing and is expected to play a significant role in the production of the new sixth-generation F-47 fighter [2] - The company has prepared contingency plans to maintain operations with non-union staff during the strike [3] Industry Context - The current strike is smaller in scale compared to a previous strike involving 30,000 machinists in the northwestern US, which lasted seven weeks [7] - Boeing's CEO has downplayed the potential impact of the strike, indicating that it is "much, much less" significant than last year's strike [7][8] - The strike adds to Boeing's challenges as the company works to improve its reputation following past incidents involving the 737 Max and other aircraft [8][9]