SEATTLE (AP) — Unionized machinists at Boeing voted Monday to accept a contract offer and end their strike after more than seven weeks, clearing the way for the aerospace giant to resume production of its bestselling airliner and generate much-needed cash.

Boeing machinists have voted to end their 7-week strike, accepting the latest contract offer from the company. Striking members from the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers accepted the proposed contract by 59%.

Boeing's strike that began in mid-September "has ended" after 59% of workers voted on Monday night to ratify a new contract, the union announced. Why it matters: The walkout of thousands of machinists crippled Boeing's production in a year when the aerospace giant's reputation was already wounded amid high-profile quality and safety issues.