Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837 in St. Louis are set to vote on a union-proposed four-year contract this Friday, September 19. The proposal comes after more than six weeks of strike action involving about 3,200 workers at Boeing Defense, following the company’s refusal to improve an earlier deal that was rejected by union members.
If ratified by the membership, the offer will be submitted to Boeing as a pre-ratified agreement for their acceptance. Should Boeing decline, union members will continue their strike and remain prepared to return to negotiations. The strike will persist until an agreement is reached.
“Our members’ solidarity and determination are the reason we’ve been able to put forward this creative path to settlement,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “Boeing needs to recognize that this workforce is the backbone of its defense operations, and the community is standing with these families until they achieve a fair contract.”
Boeing has reported strong quarterly earnings and holds a growing backlog of military aircraft orders. However, it has not responded positively to the demands from its St. Louis workforce. The ongoing strike has disrupted defense production lines and is estimated to cost Boeing millions each day due to lost output and delayed deliveries.
“IAM Union members have been critical to Boeing’s success — including the recent commitment to build the F-47 right here in St. Louis,” said IAM Resident General Vice President Jody Bennett. “They build world-class military aircraft, they’ve helped deliver Boeing billions in defense contracts, and they’ve earned a contract that reflects that value.”
The striking workers are responsible for building and supporting production of several key military aircraft models: F-15EX, F/A-18, T-7A, MQ-25, and the future F-47 fighter jet. The new proposal aims to align 401(k) contributions with those received by other Boeing employees, provide higher wage increases for top-of-scale workers, and includes a ratification bonus compromise similar to what both unionized and non-unionized employees at Boeing receive.
Voting will take place from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at St. Louis Music Park in Maryland Heights, Missouri; results will be counted immediately after polls close.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers represents around 600,000 active and retired members across various industries in North America.
