(AP) - Just when Boeing really needs its engineers, they're throwing around the idea of a strike.

Boeing is working around the clock to solve the battery problems that have grounded its 787s around the world. Its unionized engineers are a big part of that effort.

But on Monday, Boeing engineers begin voting on a new contract and on whether to authorize a strike. The union is urging them to reject the contract.

The Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace will count the ballots on Feb. 19. The union says a strike would shut down Boeing production. The company says it has made plans in case of a strike but it isn't sharing details.