Countdown to Boeing Machinists strike vote ...

Leaders for both the Boeing Co. and its Machinists union have four days to convince union members why they should or should not accept the company’s contract offer. On Sept. 3, Machinists will decide whether to shut down the Boeing Co.’s factories and strike.

Yesterday, negotiators for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers urged their members here to reject Boeing’s contract and go on strike on Sept. 4. Boeing’s negotiators say they’re disappointed by the recommendation. But they hope union members will reject not Boeing’s contract but the Machinists leaders’ recommendation and ratify the new contract.

The Herald started a reader poll shortly after the Machinists’ leaders recommended a strike. As of 10 a.m., Aug. 30, about 71 percent of participants said the Machinists will get enough votes to strike. (The union needs two-thirds of its members to vote both to reject the contract and to strike.) Twenty-four percent of readers have said the union won’t strike. And a few, 5 percent, aren’t sure yet.

Remember to cast your vote below:

Check back on HeraldNet each day for an update on the reader poll. We’ll also post updates from Boeing and the Machinists union. Below are the latest videos from each side.

Boeing’s leader negotiator lays out the company’s offer in this video:

Boeing also has added some short videos on cost of living adjustment and the final offer on its negotiations Web site.

And the Machinists outline why members should strike in this video:

The Machinists have provided an outline of why they’re urging members to reject the contract as well as a copy of the offer.