Boeing’s ongoing labor crisis deepened as workers at three Midwest plants overwhelmingly rejected the company’s latest contract proposal on Friday, prolonging a strike that has now stretched nearly six weeks. The 3,200 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers District 837, who build critical military aircraft and weapons systems, voted 57% against the offer, opting to continue their picket lines.

The rejected proposal, a five-year deal boasting an average wage increase of 45%, failed to meet workers’ expectations for a sufficient signing bonus and enhanced 401(k) benefits, according to the union. “Boeing’s offer fell short of what our members deserve, especially compared to what other Boeing workers have received,” the union stated, highlighting frustrations over disparities in compensation packages.

Dan Gillian, Boeing’s Air Dominance vice president and general manager, expressed disappointment but remained firm. “Our economic framework won’t change, though we’ve adjusted based on feedback to address concerns,” Gillian said in a statement. He emphasized Boeing’s commitment to its contingency plan, which includes hiring permanent replacement workers to maintain support for customers, particularly the U.S. Navy, which relies on the plants for fighter jets and the first carrier-based unmanned aircraft.

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The strike, which began on August 4, 2025, disrupts production at facilities critical to Boeing’s Defence, Space & Security division, a segment accounting for over one-third of the company’s revenue. While smaller than last year’s massive walkout by 33,000 commercial jetliner workers, this stoppage threatens Boeing’s fragile financial recovery. The Arlington, Virginia-based aerospace giant, employing over 170,000 workers globally, faces mounting pressure to resolve the dispute as no further talks are currently scheduled.

The standoff underscores broader tensions within Boeing, which has struggled with labor relations and financial challenges in recent years. The Midwest workers’ resolve signals growing frustration with the company’s offers, raising questions about Boeing’s ability to stabilize operations and meet defense contract obligations amid escalating labor unrest.

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