Boeing engineers to begin vote on strike this week

Just when Boeing really needs its engineers, they’re voting on whether to strike.

It’s bad timing for Boeing. The aircraft maker is working around the clock to solve battery problems that have grounded its 787s around the world, and unionized engineers are a big part of that effort.

The vote begins Tuesday and runs through Feb. 19. The union has recommended that its members reject Boeing’s contract proposal, hoping the company offers something better, or they may strike.

The strike threat is growing just as Boeing is dealing with a host of other problems. It must mollify airlines frustrated about buying a $200 million plane they can’t fly, and it needs to fix the battery problem. U.S. regulators have launched an open-ended review of the 787’s design and construction.

Boeing also needs to speed production of the 787 and other planes.