More than 3,000 striking Boeing defense workers will vote Thursday on a revised contract proposal that comes closer to their demands.

Boeing's latest offer -- which has been endorsed by IAM District 837 union leaders behind the strike -- includes an upfront "ratification bonus" of $6,000.

If accepted, striking workers in the midwestern states of Missouri and Illinois would return to work after walking off the job on August 4.

The offer replaces the prior proposal of a $3,000 signing bonus plus $3,000 in restricted stock.

The earlier contract, which was narrowly rejected by workers on October 26, also included a $1,000 "retention bonus" in year four that has been dropped in the latest version.

Boeing has said previously it was recruiting replacement workers for striking staff, and whil

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