Late Thursday night, as the clock struck midnight, thousands of Boeing employees walked off the job, marking the beginning of a strike that is expected to have far-reaching consequences for both the aerospace giant and the global aviation industry. Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) rejected a contract proposal that, while promising a 25% wage hike over the next four years, failed to meet their demands for better pay, job security, and improved working conditions.

“We believe we are not asking for more than we deserve,” said Marcus Amador, a quality inspector who has worked for Boeing for 13 years. His sentiments were echoed by many of his fellow workers who joined him outside Boeing’s Renton, Washington, facility in the early hours of Friday. Amador, alongside thousands of machinists responsible for building Boeing’s 737, 777, and 767 jets, stood united in their call for fair compensation, demanding more than the company’s proposed offer.

This marks Boeing’s first strike since 2008, and union members overwhelmingly supported it. Approximately 96% of the 33,000-member workforce voted to walk off the job, a staggering display of dissatisfaction. Workers were clear in their message: the offer, which included wage increases and enhanced retirement and healthcare benefits, did not address the long-standing grievances that have plagued the workforce for years.

The Struggle for Fair Wages Amid Rising Costs

At the heart of the dispute is pay. While the proposed 25% wage increase might seem significant, many Boeing employees pointed out that it falls short in the face of rising living costs in the Pacific Northwest. “You can make more money flipping burgers,” said one employee, noting that the starting wage under the new contract—$21 an hour—was close to what local fast-food chains offered, without the immense responsibilities Boeing machinists shoulder.

The union had been pushing for a 40% wage increase over the same period, arguing that the company’s financial recovery depends heavily on the skills and expertise of its workers. Boeing has had its share of struggles in recent years, with production delays, safety issues, and supply chain disruptions taking a toll on the company’s reputation and financial health. However, union representatives argue that these challenges should not fall on the shoulders of the workforce.

Jon Holden, president of the IAM chapter, emphasized that while the company’s offer contained important improvements, it failed to bridge the gap caused by 16 years of stagnant wages, two contract extensions, and ongoing concerns about job security and healthcare costs. “The frustrations of the past cannot be ignored,” Holden said, adding that the union is ready to resume negotiations but will not back down from its demands.

A Financial Blow at a Critical Time for Boeing

The timing of the strike couldn’t be worse for Boeing. The company is already under immense financial pressure, having burned through $8 billion this year alone. Its supply chain has been strained, and aircraft deliveries have been delayed. The stoppage, which halts production on Boeing’s best-selling 737 Max, 777, and 767 jets, threatens to further exacerbate these problems. Boeing shares dropped 4% in premarket trading as news of the strike broke, and analysts estimate that a month-long work stoppage could cost the company as much as $1.5 billion.

“This strike will have a ripple effect throughout the industry,” said aerospace analyst Sheila Kahyaoglu. “Boeing’s suppliers, airlines awaiting jet deliveries, and even competitors like Airbus could feel the impact. Boeing’s struggle to ramp up production post-pandemic has been well-documented, and this strike will only add to those challenges.”

While Boeing is no stranger to strikes—the 2008 strike lasted 57 days and cost the company an estimated $100 million a day—the current financial climate makes this work stoppage particularly perilous. A series of high-profile safety incidents, including the blowout of a door plug on a 737 Max earlier this year, has already brought increased federal scrutiny of Boeing’s operations. The last thing the company needs now is another delay in production, especially as it works to repair relationships with regulators, customers, and investors.

CEO Ortberg’s Plea: A Call for Unity, or Too Little Too Late?

Boeing’s newly appointed CEO, Kelly Ortberg, took office just five weeks ago, inheriting a company in turmoil. On the eve of the union vote, Ortberg pleaded with workers to accept the proposed contract, arguing that a strike would jeopardize Boeing’s future. “I ask you not to sacrifice the opportunity to secure our future together because of the frustrations of the past,” he said in a message to employees. Ortberg’s leadership has been framed as a fresh start for Boeing, with promises to rebuild trust and repair strained labor relations.

Yet, for many workers, these promises feel empty after years of perceived corporate neglect. “This isn’t just about money,” said Amador, reflecting the broader sentiment among the strikers. “It’s about respect. It’s about knowing that we matter to the company and that our hard work is valued.”

Union members have expressed frustration over what they see as a widening gap between Boeing’s top executives and its workforce. “We see executives getting bonuses and pay raises, while we’re expected to tighten our belts,” said one machinist outside Boeing’s Everett plant. “It’s been years of this, and we’ve had enough.”

Ortberg’s call for unity may have come too late. The workers’ vote to strike was an emphatic rejection not only of the contract terms but also of a corporate culture that they feel has prioritized profits over people for far too long.

The Bigger Picture: Labor’s Resurgence

The Boeing strike is just the latest in a series of high-profile labor actions across various industries. The resurgence of union activity in the U.S. has been fueled by growing economic inequality and a pandemic that forced many workers to reevaluate their relationship with employers. From Hollywood writers to Detroit autoworkers, workers across sectors have shown they are willing to walk off the job to secure better wages, benefits, and working conditions.

“In the last few years, we’ve seen a shift,” said Cornell University labor expert Kate Bronfenbrenner. “Workers are more willing to flex their collective power, especially as they see corporate profits rising while their own wages stagnate. Boeing workers are part of a larger movement.”

As the Boeing strike continues, the company’s executives and union leaders will return to the negotiating table, with both sides hoping to find a solution before the financial and operational damage becomes too severe. But for now, the picket lines outside Boeing’s factories are a powerful reminder that the fight for fair compensation is far from over.