Boeing factory workers in the U.S. West Coast have initiated a strike after 94.6% of them rejected a proposed four-year contract that included a 25% pay increase. The strike, authorized by approximately 30,000 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), is the first since 2008 and will significantly disrupt production of Boeing's 737 MAX and other aircraft. The IAM has emphasized that the strike is about respect and fighting for the future of its members, highlighting Boeing's ongoing financial and reputational challenges. Boeing expressed its commitment to negotiations, acknowledging the union's dissatisfaction with the previous agreement. The situation places additional pressure on newly appointed CEO Kelly Ortberg, who has been in charge for just over a month. Analysts note that this strike could exacerbate Boeing's existing production delays and impact its recovery efforts.