More than 30,000 Boeing machinists walked off the job Sept. 13. At a local union office outside Seattle, they prepared for what may be a lengthy strike.

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

Boeing employees still working received a notice on the furloughs Wednesday, which noted that it will encompass tens of thousands of nonunion employees for the duration of strike.

The demands of Boeing workers—at least a 40 percent raise to combat inflation, maintaining their yearly bonus, improved healthcare and the restoration of pensions—echo among all workers who have faced decades of slashed wages and declining living standards.