Unionized machinists working for Boeing have reached a decision following a vote on Monday to ratify a contract proposal, bringing an end to the strike that lasted for over seven weeks. This development allows Boeing, a major player in the aerospace industry, to restart production of its most popular airliner, which is crucial for recovering finances that have been impacted by the work stoppage.

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, based in Seattle, disclosed that approximately 59% of the voting members supported the company’s fourth formal offer, which was the third offer to be presented for a vote. This new agreement outlines salary increases totaling 38% over the next four years, along with provisions for ratification bonuses and productivity incentives.

Nevertheless, Boeing did not acquiesce to the union’s calls to reinstate a pension plan that had been frozen almost ten years ago, which remained a point of contention during the negotiations.

With the contract being ratified just before Election Day, Boeing will be able to kickstart production lines in the Pacific Northwest that have been dormant for 53 days due to the employees’ strike. According to union representatives, the 33,000 workers they represent are expected to return to their jobs as soon as Wednesday, but may not all be back until as late as November 12. Boeing’s CEO has mentioned that the company might require “a couple of weeks” to resume full production, partly because some workers may need to undergo retraining before returning to their roles.