Stephen Brashear/AP
Thousands of Boeing workers have voted to go on strike, halting production of the company’s strongest-selling jet.
The vote means around 33,000 workers who produce Boeing’s 737 MAX and other jets in the Seattle and Portland areas will walk out on Friday after rejecting a pay deal.
The deal would have seen pay increase by 25 percent, a $3,000 signing bonus and a pledge to build Boeing’s next commercial jet in the Seattle area. However, workers voted to reject the deal after asking for a 40 percent pay increase.
“This is about respect, this is about addressing the past, and this is about fighting for our future,” said Jon Holden, who headed the negotiations for The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.
He added: “We strike at midnight.”
Boeing workers voted 94.6 percent to reject the agreement, and 96 percent in favor of striking.
This is a breaking story. More to follow.