STORY: More than 3,200 union members who assemble Boeing's fighter jets went on strike on Monday.
The workers from the St. Louis area and Illinois rejected a second contract offer the previous day.
Boeing Defense said it was ready for the work stoppage and it will implement a contingency plan that uses non-labor workers.
According to the company, the rejected four-year contract would have raised the average wage by roughly 40%.
And included a 20% general wage increase.
It says it also included increasing periodic raises, more vacation time and sick leave.
Chris Albin is from local union chapter.
"Our membership spoke loud and clear today that they're not happy with Boeing's latest proposal, their last best and final offer. It did meet the membership's expectations."
Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg downplayed the impact of a strike when talking with analysts last week.
Noting that the company had weathered a seven-week strike last year by members who build commercial jets in the Northwest.
