IAM International President Brian Bryant, along with Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli and Resident General Vice President Jody Bennett, visited striking District 837 members at the Boeing Defense picket line in the St. Louis area. The visit was intended to show support for the 3,200 International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) members currently on strike.
During their time on the picket line, union leaders spoke with workers and offered encouragement. The ongoing strike centers on demands for fair treatment for employees who work on advanced military products at Boeing Defense.
“You are sending a powerful message that workers deserve better,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “Our union will use every resource we have to back you until we win the contract you’ve earned.”
Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli also addressed the strikers: “I couldn’t be more proud of the strength and solidarity of our IAM District 837 members here in St. Louis. Boeing’s profits don’t happen without you. You deserve a contract that reflects the value of your work, your skills, and your sacrifices.”
Resident General Vice President Jody Bennett added: “This strike isn’t just about numbers on a page—it’s about respect. Our members are taking a stand for fairness, and our union will not back down until we win the contract they deserve.”
The strike has now entered its third week with no agreement reached between Boeing and its St. Louis workforce (https://www.stltoday.com/business/local/boeing-strike-hits-third-week-still-no-deal-with-st-louis-workers/article_2c5a6d38-4bde-11ee-b2b7-67e8c69f8e10.html). Union officials have emphasized that they will continue supporting their members throughout negotiations.
Union leaders were joined by federal officials during their visit to demonstrate broader support for the striking workers (https://www.ksdk.com/article/news/local/union-federal-leaders-joining-boeing-strike/63-c1cf25c6-e3b0-4e77-b01a-dcc86db36ebd).
