Boeing's strike that began in mid-September "has ended" after 59% of workers voted on Monday night to ratify a new contract, the union announced. Why it matters: The walkout of thousands of machinists crippled Boeing's production in a year when the aerospace giant's reputation was already wounded amid high-profile quality and safety issues.

Unionized factory workers at Boeing are voting on Monday whether to accept a contract offer or to continue their strike. The walkout has lasted more than seven weeks, shut down production of most Boeing passenger planes and cut off a key source of cash for the company.