The problem was that Homer needed the machinists to make more casements and nozzles and nose cones but the workers are all on strike and they cannot cross the picket lines even though they really want to help Homer out.  It is even more difficult since Homer's father is one of the "enemy" and he won't allow them to make an exception for the situation.

Luckily, they decide that they are going to end the strike and it all comes together so that they can go in and put together all the materials that Homer will need and get them shipped off to Indianapolis so that he can have something to show the judges.