In a vote, 80% of aircraft assembly workers at Boeing Co., the world's second largest plane maker, rejected Wednesday night a new three-year contract which included an 11% pay rise. 87% were also in favor of strike action.
The company has offered benefits and an average wage of around $34,000, but some of the 27,000 workers, represented by the International Association of Machinists, are unhappy with certain aspects of the deal, including pension rights, health benefits, and pay rates.
The last minute reprieve came for Boeing after mediation from the governor's office, with union leader Mark Blondin saying, "The indications they have given me is that the Boeing Co. wishes to return to the table."
Blondin then told workers "They've got 48 hours to bring a deal acceptable to you," adding if no improved offer was made a strike would start at midnight on Friday.
Strike action could cost Boeing around $100 million a day and directly affect production of the company's new Dreamliner 787, which is already 15 months behind schedule.
The plane is due to be delivered to clients mid-2009.
