SEATTLE, June 27 (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."