In an attempt to avert a walkout that would shut down its production lines as early as Friday, Boeing is providing a 25% wage increase to its employees spread over four years.

More than 30,000 workers are represented by union officials, who have pushed their colleagues to embrace the plan, calling it the greatest contract they have ever negotiated.

If accepted, the deal would represent a significant accomplishment for Kelly Ortberg, Boeing's new CEO, who is under pressure to address the company's problems with quality and reputation.

On Thursday, Boeing employees in the Portland and Seattle areas will cast their votes on the agreement. However, for a strike to take place in the event that the agreement is rejected, a second ballot must be approved by two-thirds of union members.

After an eight-week strike, Boeing and the unions initially agreed to the present contract in 2008. It was agreed to be extended by the two parties in 2014, and it is now scheduled to expire later this week.

Negotiators commended the preliminary agreement and urged members to embrace it, despite the fact that it fell short of the union's original demand for a 40% salary increase.

In addition to increased compensation, the agreement guarantees employees better healthcare and retirement benefits, as well as a pledge by Boeing to locate its next commercial aircraft in the Seattle region.

Additionally, it increases the union members' voice on matters of quality and safety.

(Sources: bbc.co.uk)