More than 3,200 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837 have voted to reject Boeing’s latest contract proposal after nearly three months on strike. The union represents workers who build and maintain key military aircraft such as the F-15 and F/A-18 in St. Louis.
IAM International President Brian Bryant said, “Boeing claimed they listened to their employees – the result of today’s vote proves they have not. Boeing’s corporate executives continue to insult the very people who build the world’s most advanced military aircraft — the same planes and military systems that keep our servicemembers and nation safe. Our members aren’t going to be fooled by PR spin. It’s well past time for Boeing to stop cheaping out on the workers who make its success possible and bargain a fair deal that respects their skill and sacrifice.”
The union states that in September, its members passed a pre-ratified offer designed to address three main priorities: restoring retirement security with employer 401(k) contributions similar to those offered in other regions; increasing wages in line with inflation; and providing a ratification bonus comparable to what non-union workers elsewhere received. According to IAM, this proposal would cost about $50 million over four years—about half the price of one F-15 fighter jet produced by these workers—but Boeing has not accepted it.
“Instead of building on our pre-ratified offer, Boeing came back with another proposal that disrespects the people who make its success possible,” said Sam Cicinelli, IAM Union Midwest Territory General Vice President. “Boeing can end this strike tomorrow — all it has to do is put a fair deal on the table.”
Boeing recently secured a multi-billion dollar U.S. defense contract for the F-47 program, which relies heavily on IAM union labor. Despite these new government contracts, IAM says Boeing continues to fall behind schedule due to ongoing labor disputes.
Jody Bennett, Resident General Vice President at IAM Union, stated: “Our members have shown incredible unity and strength throughout this strike. They’re standing up not just for themselves, but for every worker who deserves fairness, respect, and the same standard of treatment. Boeing can’t keep playing favorites between regions and expect our members to accept less.”
Tom Boelling, Directing Business Representative for District 837, added: “From day one, our members have stood shoulder to shoulder for fairness. They know their worth and they’ve made it clear what it will take to reach an agreement. Boeing’s refusal to meet those priorities is what keeps this strike going — not our members.”
