More than 3,000 union members who assemble Boeing’s fighter jets in Missouri and Illinois went on strike today after contract negotiations failed. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers District 837, the union that represents the workers, says the strike is “about respect and dignity, not empty promises.” The work stoppage comes after the union rejected a contract offered by Boeing. According to the union, the workers assemble and maintain weapons systems, missile and defense technology and aircraft, including F-15 and F/A-18 fighter jets.