More than 3,200 Boeing union workers in Missouri and Illinois are on strike following the rejection of a four-year labor agreement with the aerospace company.

The workers who assemble fighter jets turned down a four-year contract that would have raised the average wage by roughly 40% and included a 20% general wage increase and a $5,000 ratification bonus, according to Reuters. It also included increasing periodic raises, more vacation time and sick leave.

"We're disappointed our employees in St. Louis rejected an offer that featured 40% average wage growth," Dan Gillian, Boeing vice president and general manager of the St. Louis facilities, said in a statement to Reuters.

Boeing Defense said it was ready for the work stoppage and would implement a contingency plan that uses non-labor

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