SEATTLE (Reuters) - Boeing's ( BA ) recent financial and production challenges following a January mid-air panel blow out will not change their workers' readiness to strike to make gains in bargaining, their union local president told Reuters on Thursday.

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), which represents over 30,000 Washington state workers building Boeing ( BA ) jets, wants better retirement benefits and wage increases exceeding 40% over three to four years after what it termed years of stagnant earnings.

"We are going to maximize this opportunity no matter what," said Jon Holden, president of the IAM's District 751 representing the Seattle-area workers.

"Our members want an agreement, they want a good agreement but they are willing to strike if they have to."