The planemaker finds itself in an increasingly untenable situation with its finances so dire that it can ill afford a drawn-out paralysis.

According to The Associated Press, 94.6% of voting workers rejected Boeing’s contract proposal, which included a 25% wage increase over four years. In addition, 96% of members voted in favor of a strike, surpassing the two-thirds majority required for such an action.

The furloughs are part of sweeping cost-cutting measures Boeing announced this week as it continues negotiations with striking machinists.