Boeing workers go on strike, halting production after rejecting union-backed contract

Thousands of Boeing workers have launched a strike after rejecting a union-negotiated contract, marking the first major labor stoppage at the aerospace company in 16 years. 

The contract was rejected by 95% of the 33,000 workers represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM). The union had secured a tentative deal that included a 25% raise over four…