BOEING

BERKELEY — Boeing machinists went on strike on Monday morning after union members rejected the company's second contract offer in two weeks.

A few dozen had gathered outside the company's offices north of Lambert St. Louis International Airport, standing with picket signs.

Boeing isn't being fair to its workers, said Keith Gallup, 37, an assembly mechanic from Bethalto.

"They're just trying to get the cheapest labor as possible," he said.

Company officials signaled they weren't immediately budging.

"We are prepared for a strike and have fully implemented our contingency plan to ensure our non-striking workforce can continue supporting our customers," Dan Gillian, a vice president and general manager for Boeing, said Sunday in a statement.

He said leaders were disappointed emp

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