Boeing officially locked out its unionized firefighters in Washington after the firefighter's union failed to come to an agreement with the company after two-and-a-half months of negotiations, primarily over pay. This is the first time in over four decades that a group of firefighters have been on a lock out in the U.S.

The embattled aircraft manufacturer is at odds with the firefighters' union over a new contract. The union calls the lockout a safety risk.

Boeing locked out about 130 firefighters who work at its 737 factory and other operations in Washington state following a contract dispute between the jet maker and the firefighters’ union. Boeing and the union have been wrestling for months over wages and staffing levels for firefighters who handle medical emergencies and accidents at Boeing facilities.