WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — More than 30,000 Boeing machinists are on strike after rejecting the company’s latest contract offer. The strike is expected to shut down Boeing production, which could have ripple effects on the aviation industry in Kansas.
This is the first time since 2008 that Boeing machinists are striking. Back then, the strike lasted eight weeks and cost the company about $100 million a day.
Spirit AeroSystems makes about 70% of the Boeing 737 and is being bought by Boeing.
“We are committed to supporting all our customers throughout negotiations between Boeing and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers,” A spokesperson at Spirit AeroSystems said.
KSN is also awaiting comment from Wichita’s local machinist union.
KSN spoke with the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace, which represents engineers and other professional workers at Spirit.
SPEEA says the union is watching what happens with Boeing negotiations closely.
“We’re encouraging everybody, you know, to show support because their success will lead to our success. The contract they’re able to secure in this round of bargaining will be the foundation for our round of bargaining when our contracts are up in 2026,” said Bryan Corliss, External Communications Lead at SPEEA.