Spirit Aerosystems, major airlines supplier, suspends plant operations after labor contract rejected

By MICHELLE CHAPMAN
AP Business Writer

Spirit Aerosystems, a major supplier to the world’s largest aircraft manufacturers, is suspending operations at a critical Kansas plant after union workers there rejected a proposed four-year contract and authorized a strike. Approximately 6,000 union members voted to reject Spirit Aerosystems’ best and last offer after 13 years without a fully negotiated agreement. Shares of Boeing and Airbus slid about 2%, and shares of Spirit Aerosystems tumbled 10% at the opening bell Thursday.