They were upset about pay and working conditions.
Some of the employees on strike produce elements essential to major military planes, which have ranged from the F-15 fighter.
The protest is being organized by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), which has a great deal of support among workers at Boeing's St. Louis defence manufacturing plants.
Despite a 40 percent average wage hike, union officials said Boeing's proposal fell short in other key areas of importance to workers. IAM official Tom Boelling said. "Members have spoken loud and clear that they just can't trust the company on job security.
Our troops deserve a contract that represents how much they contribute, how dedicated they are, and the key role they play in defending our nation.
The walkout is the first at Boeing's defence division since 1996, when operations were shut down for more than three months.
Boeing's Response and Wider Troubles
Boeing Air Dominance vice president Dan Gillian was disappointed the offer wasn't accepted. Still, Boeing Chief Executive Kelly Ortberg sought to minimize the disruption, noting that the effect will be less than a strike last year by some 30,000 workers who build passenger planes.
Millions, perhaps billions, were lost by the company in that walkout.
I wouldn't pay too Much attention to the blowback from the Strike. We will navigate our way through that," Ortberg said.
Safety and production concerns Residual of an Ordeal
It has been a long list for Boeing to total. Boeing has been scrambling to rebound from two deadly crashes of its 737 jetliners in 2018 and 2019, as well as a headline-making in-flight panel blowout from a 737 Max in 2024.
Last year, EEBoeing handed over just 348 planes, its smallest annual delivery since the coronavirus crisis erupted.
The latest work stoppage indicates employee unhappiness that could add to the troubles Boeing already faces with production delays and safety concerns, as it´s also mired in a battle against labor unrest.
