The workers at the Boeing Defense facilities in the St. Louis area voted to approve the contract offer, ending a strike of over three months that had affected airplane production.

This strike, which began on August 4, had a significant impact on the production of fighter jets, including the F-15 and F/A-18, as well as on other programs, slowing down deliveries to the U.S. Air Force. Approximately 3,200 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers District 837 (IAM) requested a higher ratification bonus and improved contributions to pension plans, but Boeing refused to significantly change the terms of the offer. In a unilateral revision of the offer, the company reduced the total value of the bonus but increased the cash payment offered upfront to $6,000.