For the first time in nearly three decades, Boeing’s defense division workers are preparing to walk off the job. Around 3,200 employees, represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), have voted to strike after rejecting the company’s proposed labor contract.

The workers, based primarily in Missouri and Illinois, say the contract fails to meet their basic expectations around wages, benefits, and job security. Many argue that the proposal didn’t keep up with inflation or the cost of living in recent years. It’s a familiar concern for workers across multiple industries, but this action marks a significant moment in defense manufacturing.

Boeing is known for its commercial planes, but its defense division is responsible for key military programs—including fighter jets and weapons systems. A strike could lead to delays in government contracts and impact national defense timelines, especially if it stretches beyond a few weeks.

Union representatives have stated that this vote was not taken lightly. The last strike of this size from Boeing’s defense side happened in 1996. With rising frustration over wage stagnation and workplace safety concerns, many see this as a moment of reckoning—not just for Boeing, but for the wider aerospace sector.

For Boeing, the pressure is now on to return to the table with a new offer. For the workers, it’s about more than a paycheck—it’s about being heard and respected in one of the most critical industries in the country.

This isn’t just a workplace disagreement—it’s a story that touches defense, economics, and workers’ rights all at once. Keep an eye on this one.