Boeing defence workers set to strike in new blow to aviation giant

 

The striking workers build F-15 fighter jets and other military aircraft

More than three thousand Boeing defence workers are set to go on strike on Monday, in a fresh blow to the embattled aviation giant.

It comes after union members at operations in Missouri and Illinois, who build F-15 fighter jets and other military aircraft, voted against the firm's latest offer over pay, work schedules and pensions.

"We're disappointed our employees rejected an offer that featured 40% average wage growth", Dan Gillian, who is the vice president of Boeing's Air Dominance unit, said in a statement.

Boeing is struggling to turn itself around after a series of problems, including safety issues and a damaging seven-week walkout by passenger plane workers last year.