Textron Aviation workers have rejected the final offer on September 21, 2024.
"Textron Aviation is disappointed that IAM District 70, Local Lodge 774 members did not vote to accept the proposed four-year contract with Textron Aviation and have chosen to strike," Textron said in a statement.
The union negotiators had recommended workers to accept the final offer.
Textron continued: "The contract offer, which took six weeks of thoughtful and good-faith negotiations by both the union and the company negotiating committees, provided a plan that aimed to protect the future of all Textron Aviation employees."
A two thirds majority have voted in favour of strike action beginning early morning of September 23, 2024.
"No one benefits from a strike, and the company has made every effort to avoid one," the company added. "However, as would be expected of any responsible business, the company has prepared for this scenario to ensure the business continues to operate for customers."
Textron Aviation had presented its final offer to employees on September 18, 2024, including a 26% general wage increase over the life of the contract.
The offer included an immediate 11% wage increase, followed by a 4% increase in 2025, 5% in 2026, and 6% in 2027. This would be an addition to the 4% general wage increase that was added mid-contract in 2022. It also guaranteed a $3,000 lump sum payment every year of the contract.
"We presented a contract offer that invests in our bargained employees and recognises their contributions," Textron Aviation senior vice president, integrated supply chain Todd McKee. "We have a great opportunity to advance together and achieve new successes in the years to come."
The employees' current contract had expired on September 22, 2024.
The pay deal offer and subsequent rejection echoes a similar vein to the recent ongoing Boeing strike with its Washington factory workers.