Boeing strike may cause headaches for airlines

A Boeing worker wears a mask while holding a "happy strike day" sign after union members voted overwhelmingly to reject a contract offer. Picture: AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson

Boeing factory workers walked off the job for the first time in 16 years, halting manufacturing across the planemaker’s Seattle hub after members of its largest union voted overwhelmingly to reject a contract offer and go on strike.

The strike action could pose additional threats to plane deliveries to airlines including Ryanair, which has already voiced concern about delays from Boeing.