A bipartisan group of 17 members from the House Armed Services Committee has called on Boeing to resume negotiations with more than 3,200 striking workers represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837 in St. Louis. The letter, led by Representatives Donald Norcross (D-N.J.) and Don Bacon (R-Neb.), was addressed to Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg. It urges the company to negotiate a fair contract quickly, highlighting concerns over national security and delays in U.S. defense programs.
Boeing’s failure to reach an agreement with union members has resulted in public acknowledgment by the U.S. Air Force that F-15EX aircraft deliveries are now delayed. The letter states: “Boeing Defense plays a vital role in safeguarding our national security and sustaining U.S. leadership on the global stage. That success is powered by a dedicated and highly skilled workforce who every day produce planes and other defense equipment that the United States government and our service members rely upon.”
IAM District 837 members are responsible for building key military aircraft including the F-15EX, F/A-18, T-7A, MQ-25, and future F-47 fighter jets.
The lawmakers’ message continues: “Communication and negotiation are crucial to help navigate out of the current situation that preserves the long-term balance between workers’ rights and the defense of our nation. We urge you to return to the bargaining table with IAM District 837 and to negotiate and reach a fair contract in a timely manner.”
The strike has lasted more than 12 weeks, with union members maintaining picket lines as Boeing continues to reject union proposals intended to resolve the dispute. The IAM bargaining committee submitted another contract offer on October 27th, which was rejected by Boeing without any counter proposal.
Brian Bryant, International President of IAM Union, said: “Congress is sending a clear message that it’s time for Boeing to respect the highly skilled and experienced IAM Union members who build our nation’s most advanced defense systems. Our members have offered fair, responsible proposals to end this strike and get back to work. Boeing’s refusal to negotiate in good faith is not only hurting working families—it’s threatening critical defense programs and our national security.”
The union has filed two Unfair Labor Practice Charges against Boeing for refusing to engage with worker proposals or make counter offers addressing their concerns.
Support for IAM workers extends beyond this latest congressional letter; earlier in October, Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) expressed support during a Senate hearing where an IAM member testified about what they described as bad-faith tactics by Boeing. Additionally, Representatives Wesley Bell (D-Mo.), Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.), and members of the Congressional Labor Caucus have also urged Boeing to bargain fairly.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers represents around 600,000 active and retired members across various industries throughout North America.
