Bangladesh, Aug. 4 -- More than 3,200 Boeing workers involved in the production of fighter jets and other defense systems began a strike on August 4 after rejecting a revised contract offer from the aerospace giant. The decision, which has brought operations at Boeings St. Louis-area and Mascoutah, Illinois, defense manufacturing facilities to a halt, marks a significant escalation in a labor dispute that has gained national attention due to its implications for US military readiness and industrial labor relations.

The workers, all members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837, voted overwhelmingly against Boeings second contract proposal, which was described by the company as offering &#...