IAM District 837 of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union) has issued a statement criticizing Boeing’s approach to ongoing contract negotiations. The union claims that since the strike began, Boeing has refused to change its “economic parameters,” characterizing this as stubbornness rather than genuine bargaining.
According to IAM District 837, the cost difference between the union’s latest proposal and Boeing’s offer is about $8 million over four years. The union points out that Boeing rejected their proposal without offering a counteroffer.
The statement highlights broader financial figures, noting that while Boeing has distributed $100 million in severance packages to former CEOs and reported $23 billion in third-quarter revenue, it is unwilling to bridge an $8 million gap with workers over four years. The company also reportedly holds a $76 billion defense backlog.
The union alleges that Boeing’s strategy is aimed at weakening both the workforce and the union itself. “It’s clear that the company is simply doing this to try to break you — and to break your union. It’s not going to work. And it shouldn’t be acceptable to anyone who counts on Boeing that they’re putting ego over military production and national security,” reads part of the message from IAM District 837.
The statement concludes by urging members to remain united and asserts that only good-faith bargaining will resolve the dispute: “Boeing can’t spin or stall its way out of this. The only path forward is to sit down and negotiate with the skilled, experienced workforce that actually builds these aircraft and keeps our national defense strong.”
The bargaining committee for IAM District 837 says it remains ready to reach an agreement that respects workers’ contributions and restores dignity on the shop floor.
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