Boeing’s machinist union chief is said to expect worker strike

The head of a labor union representing 32,000 workers at Boeing (NYSE:BA) said he expects rank-and-file members will reject a proposed contract and vote to strike.

“The response from people is it’s not good enough,” Jon Holden, president of the International Association of Machinists District 751, said in an interview with the Seattle Times. “Right now, I think it will be voted down, and our members will vote to strike.”

Boeing (BA) and union leaders on Sunday announced the deal after a marathon bargaining session. Machinists union members will vote Thursday on the proposal and a decision to strike.

Leaders of IAM Districts 751 and W24 have recommended that their members vote in favor of the deal.

The offer from Boeing (BA) included 25% in gross wage increases over the life of the four-year agreement, lower employee healthcare costs, more employer-funded retirement benefits and union representation on the company’s safety and quality system.

Boeing (BA) also agreed to build its next commercial airplane in the Puget Sound region if it’s launched during the agreement.