Machinist union members at Wichita's Hawker Beechcraft plant will go on strike Monday after an overwhelming rejection of the company's last, best and final contract offer late last week.

As soon as union officials announced the results, the room erupted in chants and cheers.

"Do you hear us now?" someone in the room screamed.

"It's time the workers stop having to take everything off their back," says one union official. "It's time to turn things around. We're ready to go to the table and try to get these issues resolved."

The current contract expires at midnight Sunday night. It covers
about 4,700 hourly workers at the Wichita plant and 500 more in
Salina.

The following is a statement released by HBC management Saturday afternoon:

WICHITA, Kan. (August 2, 2008) – Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (HBC) has been informed by the leadership of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers District Lodge 70, Local Lodges 733 and 2328, that the proposed labor contract has been rejected.

Hawker Beechcraft Corporation is disappointed with the union membership’s decision to vote against what the company believes is a fair and equitable package. The company’s offer was the best offer made to employees in more than 20 years.

The company addressed every major issue brought to the bargaining table by union leadership, as the proposed package contains increased wages, more choices in healthcare plans, and improved medical, dental, vision and pension benefits.

A comprehensive contingency plan is in place, allowing HBC to continue with operations. All Hawker corporation facilities will be open and operating Monday in Wichita and Salina. All shifts should report for normal first shift hours unless you have been told otherwise by your supervisor. The HBC call center will be available for employee questions beginning at noon on Sunday. The phone number is 316-676-1060. Employees should also visit the website listed below for more information.