Boeing workers are set to strike — and it could cost the company billions

Boeing is facing its first strike in 16 years — and it could deal a billion-dollar blow to the planemaker if it drags on.

More than 30,000 factory workers are poised to walk out starting Friday morning after the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) overwhelmingly voted to reject a tentative labor agreement with Boeing, and to go on strike in pursuit of a better deal.