Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837 have voted to reject Boeing’s latest five-year contract proposal, opting to continue their strike at Boeing’s defense facilities in St. Louis. The decision comes after union members found the modified offer lacking in both signing bonuses and increases to 401(k) benefits compared to what other Boeing employees have received.
The ongoing strike began on August 4 and involves about 3,200 IAM District 837 members. These workers are responsible for assembling and maintaining advanced aircraft and weapons systems, such as the F-15, F/A-18, and various missile and defense technologies at Boeing sites in St. Louis, St. Charles, Missouri, and Mascoutah, Illinois. Their roles are considered essential for national security efforts and support U.S. and allied defense operations.
“Our members in St. Louis have once again shown that they will not settle for Boeing’s half-measures,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “Boeing must start listening to its employees and come back to the table with a meaningful offer that respects the sacrifices and skill of these workers.”
Tom Boelling, Directing Business Representative for IAM District 837, added: “Our members will always have the final say in their futures. They are standing shoulder to shoulder and sending an unmistakable message: this company cannot thrive while failing to offer a contract that our members won’t accept.”
IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli commented: “The message could not be clearer—our members expect Boeing to do better. They will not be brushed aside with small adjustments. Boeing needs to stop dragging its feet and negotiate an agreement that honors the contributions of its workforce.”
Jody Bennett, Resident General Vice President of IAM, stated: “This strike is about fairness, respect, and real improvements. Boeing has the resources to invest in its people, yet it continues to shortchange them. Our members will not back down until the company gets serious about doing right by the workers who build America’s defense.”
The IAM Union represents around 600,000 active and retired members across North America working in industries such as aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive among others.
