Boeing

But the problem's industry-wide: Airbus is also dealing with a hefty backlog.

The machinists union has yet to ratify the new contract, which comes during a tough period for the aviation giant and its suppliers.

Now, the company has to rebuild trust with workers as well as airline customers who have been canceling orders.

Last year, just 15% of workers had access to pension plans. Now, unionized workers like the ones at Boeing are negotiating to get them back.

Outsourcing work overseas has led to short-term financial gain in return for longer-term losses, like the ability to both make and innovate.

This strike of more than 30,000 workers comes at a time when Boeing’s already not meeting production goals. And it will also slow the making of everything that goes inside planes, as well.

Boeing has faced scrutiny for the safety of its 737 MAX planes, but problems with its Starliner crew module have also stranded astronauts at the ISS.

Spinning it off was supposed to boost profits. Buying it back is supposed to help Boeing regain control of the process.

The airline's had a bumpy ride since multitudes of passengers were stranded by bad weather and an aged computer system.

A century ago, U.S manufacturers were run by engineers. Now leadership suites are distant from factory floors, says journalist Jerry Useem.