Days after state lawmakers quickly approved legislation to sway Boeing Co. to keep the final assembly and wing work of its 777X jetliner in Washington, a machinists’ union representing thousands of Boeing workers in the Pacific Northwest voted to reject a contract extension with the aerospace company.

The failure of Boeing and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers District 751 to reach new contract terms opens the possibility that Boeing could explore new locations to build its jetliner over the next several years. The current contract expires in 2016.

In negotiations, Boeing offered guaranteed that it would keep the 777X production in Everett, as well as new bonuses for union members. But the union was not in agreement with plans to end traditional pensions, as well as increasing heath insurance costs and the urgent timeline for a new contract to be approved.

State lawmakers and business leaders are worried over regional economic calamity, including thousands of lost jobs and other harmful impacts, should the 777X leave Everett for good.

Read more about this development from our partners at The Daily Herald in Everett, Wash.

For more insights and updates on Boeing and its impact on Washington’s economy, check out The Daily Herald’s Aerospace Blog.