The Boeing strike that commenced on Friday is more than a labor dispute; it's a manifestation of the deep-seated frustrations that have been brewing among the company's workforce. For several years, Boeing has been mired in financial losses, with its reputation tarnished by a series of tragic accidents and near-misses that have left it struggling to regain its footing in the aviation industry.

Despite these challenges, the company's leadership has been criticized for their approach, with a significant pay increase for the CEO in 2023, while the wages of the unionized workers have remained stagnant. This has led to a palpable sense of injustice among the 33,000 unionized employees, whose wages have not kept pace with the cost of living or the demands of their roles.

The strike is also a reflection of the long-standing tensions between Boeing's management and the unions, with a history of contentious negotiations and a perceived lack of respect for the workers' contributions to the company's success. Past incidents, such as the 2008 strike and the 2014 comments by then-CEO James McNerney, have left a lasting impact on the relationship between the two sides.

The current strike presents an early challenge for Boeing's new CEO, Kelly Ortberg, who has the difficult task of addressing the legacy of mismanagement and repairing the company's relationship with its workforce. Ortberg's background as a mechanical engineer and his nearly four decades of experience in the aerospace industry may provide him with the insight needed to understand the complexities of the situation and the stakes involved.

The strike comes at a time when Boeing is facing multiple federal investigations, the stranded astronauts, and a stock price that has plummeted 40% this year. Yet, Ortberg's initial actions, such as touring the factory floor and announcing his intention to work primarily from the Seattle office, have been seen as steps towards building goodwill with the workers.

The union's rejection of Boeing's offer, which included a 25% pay increase over four years, may have been unexpected, but it highlights the workers' desire for not only higher wages but also better job security, more time off, and a recognition of the sacrifices they have made in the past. The strike is a reminder of the broader trend of unions reasserting their power in the United States, with workers demanding fair treatment and a share in the company's success that they feel they have been denied for too long.