More than 3,200 union members from the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers’ District 837 went on strike on Monday after rejecting Boeing’s second contract offer.

These workers assemble Boeing’s F-15 and F/A-18 fighter jets, T-7 trainer, and MQ-25 aerial refueling drone in the St. Louis area and Illinois.

The big picture: Boeing Defense confirmed it was prepared for the strike and plans to use a contingency plan involving non-labor workers to maintain operations. • The rejected contract was a four-year deal that would have raised average wages by approximately 40%, including a 20% general wage increase, a $5,000 ratification bonus, increased periodic raises and more vacation time and sick leave • The new offer closely mirrored the first contract proposal, whi

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