Boeing is furloughing tens of thousands of executives, managers, and other non-union employees one week out of every four to manage the financial impact of a strike by 33,000 unionized machinists. The strike, which began after union members overwhelmingly rejected a contract offering a 25% pay increase over four years, has halted most commercial production and is costing Boeing up to $1 billion per week. Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg, who recently took a pay cut along with other executives, stated that these measures are necessary to preserve cash and ensure the company’s long-term future. The company has also implemented a hiring freeze, reduced travel, and cut purchases from vendors and suppliers. Critical work related to safety, customer support, and key certification programs will continue despite the furloughs. The strike is Boeing's first since 2008 and has significantly impacted its operations in Washington, with ongoing negotiations failing to resolve issues over wages and pensions.