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Boeing’s new chief executive Kelly Ortberg<\/a> has pleaded with workers to not go on strike as it would put the company’s “recovery in jeopardy”.<\/p>\n It comes hours ahead of a crucial union vote that could trigger industrial action at the embattled company.<\/p>\n The aviation giant’s executives and union representatives reached a deal earlier this week that includes a 25% pay rise over four years<\/a> but it has yet to be approved by union members.<\/p>\n If workers vote against the agreement it would lead to a second ballot on whether to start a strike as early as Friday.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n “I ask you not to sacrifice the opportunity to secure our future together, because of the frustrations of the past,” said Mr Ortberg in his message to staff.<\/p>\n “Working together, I know that we can get back on track, but a strike would put our shared recovery in jeopardy”.<\/p>\n On top of the proposed 25% pay rise, the preliminary deal would offer workers improved healthcare and retirement benefits, as well as 12 weeks of paid parental leave.<\/p>\n It would also include a commitment from Boeing to build its next commercial plane in the Seattle area if the project is started during the lifetime of the contract. <\/p>\n The union initially targeted a number of improvements to workers’ packages, including a 40% pay rise.<\/p>\n However, it appears the reaction from the 30,000 Boeing workers represented by the union was not entirely positive.<\/p>\n Union leader and top negotiator, John Holden, said it was not clear whether the deal had enough support among union members to be approved.<\/p>\n “They are angry,” he told the Reuters news agency.<\/p>\n The current contract between Boeing and the unions was reached in 2008 after an eight-week strike.<\/p>\n In 2014, the two sides agreed to extend the deal, which is due to expire at midnight on Thursday.<\/p>\n A rejection of the preliminary agreement between Boeing and its largest union would be a further significant setback for the firm. <\/p>\n A strike could potentially shut down aircraft production at a time when the company is facing deepening financial losses and struggling to repair its reputation<\/a> following recent incidents and two fatal accidents five years ago.<\/p>\n It would also be a major blow to Mr Ortberg, an aerospace industry veteran and engineer, who took over as Boeing’s chief executive last month with a mission to turn the business around. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n