Airframes destined for Boeing’s 737 Max production facility await shipment on rail lines at their top supplier, Spirit AeroSystems Holdings Inc, in Wichita, Kansas, U.S., December 17, 2019.
Nick Oxford| Reuters
Boeing supplier Spirit Aero Systems On Thursday, workers halted work at a Wichita factory after workers voted against a new contract and went on strike. Spirit makes fuselages for Boeing’s 737 Max and makes parts for other airline manufacturers, including Airbus.
“In light of the decision to strike today by Spirit AeroSystems employees, represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, Spirit will suspend factory production before the contract expires,” said Spirit.
The production stop started with the first shift on Thursday, two days before the contract expires.
The union did not immediately respond.
Spirit shares fell about 8% in premarket trading, while Boeing shares were down nearly 3%.
“We continue to monitor the situation and support our valued supplier,” Boeing said in a statement.