Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837 have voted to reject Boeing’s latest five-year contract proposal, choosing to continue their strike at Boeing’s defense facilities in St. Louis.
The union stated that the modified offer from Boeing did not provide a signing bonus comparable to what other Boeing workers have received and did not include an increase in 401(k) benefits. The ongoing strike involves about 3,200 IAM members who assemble and maintain advanced aircraft and weapons systems at Boeing sites in St. Louis, St. Charles, Missouri, and Mascoutah, Illinois. Their work includes production on the F-15 and F/A-18 fighter jets as well as missile and defense technologies used by U.S. and allied forces.
The strike began on August 4 after contract negotiations failed to reach an agreement on terms that union members would accept.
“Our members in St. Louis have once again shown that they will not settle for Boeing’s half-measures,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “Boeing must start listening to its employees and come back to the table with a meaningful offer that respects the sacrifices and skill of these workers.”
“Our members will always have the final say in their futures,” said IAM District 837 Directing Business Representative Tom Boelling. “They are standing shoulder to shoulder and sending an unmistakable message: this company cannot thrive while failing to offer a contract that our members won’t accept.”
“The message could not be clearer—our members expect Boeing to do better,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “They will not be brushed aside with small adjustments. Boeing needs to stop dragging its feet and negotiate an agreement that honors the contributions of its workforce.”
“This strike is about fairness, respect, and real improvements,” said IAM Resident General Vice President Jody Bennett. “Boeing has the resources to invest in its people, yet it continues to shortchange them. Our members will not back down until the company gets serious about doing right by the workers who build America’s defense.”
IAM represents around 600,000 active and retired members across various industries throughout North America.
