In a stark display of disapproval, Boeing's factory workforce, composed of 33,000 machinists, took to striking post a landslide rejection of a proposed contract, marking the first work stoppage of this magnitude in over a decade and a half for the aerospace behemoth. As reported by FOX 13 Seattle, the repercussions of the work cessation are anticipated to ripple through not only the state of Washington but across the nation's industrial landscape.

This industrial action follows the dismissal of an agreement that came into being after the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers and Boeing had preliminarily settled on a pact that comprised a 25% wage increment over four years—this after the union's original position pushed for a 40% salary hike over three years. FOX 13 Seattle report indicated that the contract was voted down by an overwhelming 94.6% of participants, with union leaders, though initially endorsing the accord, having predicted such an outcome and foreseeing a strike action.

The strike, effective from 12:01 a.m. PDT, saw the machinists, who are largely stationed in Washington, halt their work on aircraft that include popular models like the 737, 777, and 767, as detailed by CBS News. The contentious decision pivoted on demands for a 40% wage increase over three years and the restoration of traditional pensions which were culled a decade past—the latter yielding an increase in the company's contributions to employee's 401(k) plans instead.

On the grounds of the Renton factory, employees voiced their dissatisfaction, brandishing slogans that highlighted the disconnect between proposed salary adjustments and the soaring cost of living. The company's readiness to restart negotiations was encapsulated, in a statement obtained by CBS News, Boeing expressed resolve to "resetting our relationship with our employees and the union."