Boeing has confirmed it will proceed with layoffs impacting approximately 17,000 workers, regardless of the outcome of a crucial union vote on a new contract proposal. This proposal, which union leaders claim includes a 38% wage increase over four years, will be voted on after previous offers were overwhelmingly rejected, leading to an eight-week strike. The ongoing strike has cost Boeing billions, forcing the company to initiate a $21 billion stock sale to avoid a credit downgrade and address financial pressures. Union members from the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers will vote on the new contract, which could end the strike if approved. The implications of these layoffs extend beyond the workforce, reflecting broader challenges in a competitive aerospace market.

Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin has commended the union leadership's efforts, expressing hope that the latest contract recognizes the machinists' value. As negotiations continue, the tension between Boeing’s management and employees highlights the complexities of labor relations in the industry. The outcome of the upcoming vote will be critical for both the immediate future of workers and the long-term stability of Boeing as a leading aerospace manufacturer.