(Reuters) - Striking workers at Boeing Defense will vote on Friday on a four-year contract proposed by their union in an effort to end a six-week strike, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) said on Tuesday.

Boeing ( BA ), however, said the proposal was a waste of time and would prolong the work stoppage in the St. Louis area and nearby Illinois, where the striking workers assemble Boeing's ( BA ) fighter jets, munitions, other military aircraft and wing components for the 777X airliner. 

The IAM's proposal builds on the company's previous offer with a larger ratification bonus, better retirement plan contributions and better wage increases for workers at the hourly wage ceiling. IAM District 837's roughly 3,200 members voted by 57% to reject that earlier offer on September 12. 

"This publicity stunt is a waste of time that will not help the parties reach a deal," Boeing Defense vice president Dan Gillian said in a statement.

"The union continues to create false expectations by voting on an offer we never made, including terms we've expressly told them we won't accept."

After last Friday's vote, IAM officials told the company and a federal mediator they are ready to resume talks, IAM Resident General Vice President Jody Bennett said in a statement. 

Until Boeing ( BA ) returns to negotiations, "the union is taking bold steps to settle the strike through a more than reasonable offer," he said. 

The company said it plans to hire workers to replace striking employees.

Even entry-level jobs need weeks of training, however, and many positions require security clearances, which can take six months to obtain, according to IAM officials.

Boeing ( BA ) has invested billions of dollars to expand manufacturing facilities and engineering capabilities in the St. Louis area for the new U.S. Air Force fighter jet, the F-47. It won the contract this year. The company is also competing for the U.S. Navy's new F/A-XX fighter.