There was a sense of arrogance [under the previous CEOs]. There was a feeling that the people in Chicago thought they were the center of the universe.

As engineers, we have a different perspective. If a company really wants to get its product to be the best in all areas, then it must listen to all sides. A union is the best vehicle to carry the engineers' perspective.

In the beginning, we were concerned because we were all losing our jobs, but in an environment of stable employment the urgency dissipates. But it's still an important issue. What's at play is the long-term tech expertise of our company and our professions.

Everybody remembers 2000. They don't remember 2002. We didn't once across the table say strike. We negotiated a contract that was arguably the best contract negotiated with Boeing management that year. Nobody noticed.

They spit in the face of every technical employee at the Boeing Co. and we are going to stand up to that challenge. We will stun the company with our strike and we will stop the company with our strike.

We not only want to catch up to the market, we want to lead the market. We think that's appropriate and a true reflection of our contributions to the company.