More than 3,200 members of IAM District 837 are continuing their strike at Boeing Defense in the St. Louis area, which began on August 4 after contract negotiations with the company stalled. The union recently submitted a four-year contract proposal ratified by its membership, placing responsibility for resolving the dispute on Boeing.
A rally was held to support the striking workers, drawing participation from union members and leaders across Missouri and beyond. Brian Bryant, International President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), addressed Boeing directly: “I’m here to tell Boeing: you are not just fighting 3,200 workers. You are fighting 600,000 IAM Union members across North America,” said Bryant. “You are fighting millions more across the labor movement. And you are fighting a community that will never be broken!”
The striking workers are responsible for building and maintaining key military aircraft such as the F-15 and F/A-18, as well as advanced missile and defense systems considered vital to U.S. national security. Labor leaders argue that Boeing’s refusal to negotiate threatens both worker livelihoods and military readiness.
AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler commented on broader industry trends: “We’re seeing this everywhere, and it’s called corporate greed. These are attacks on our dignity,” said Shuler. “If Boeing can afford to give $100 million in golden parachutes to failed CEOs, then they can afford to pay your workers a fair share of the wealth we create.”
Sam Cicinelli, IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President, emphasized solidarity within the labor movement: “Every picket line, picket sign, and every hour we hold this line is a message to everyone in this country that – we will not be silenced, we will not be divided, and we will not back down!” Cicinelli stated. “The Midwest Territory is with you. The IAM International is with you. And the entire labor movement is with you!”
Jody Bennett, Resident General Vice President of IAM, recognized the contributions of St. Louis workers: “You build the F-15. You build the F/A-18. You’re going to build the F-47. You build the systems that defend this nation,” said Bennett. “That is world-class work. And world-class work deserves world-class respect!”
The event also featured support from Tom Boelling of IAM District 837; Jon Holden from IAM District 751 in Washington state; Jake Hummel of Missouri AFL-CIO; Patrick Kellett from St. Louis Labor Council; and John Dimas representing engineering employees at Boeing.
Union officials stressed that support for District 837 has come from local unions, elected officials, and community groups nationwide—highlighting calls for equal treatment regarding pay and retirement benefits compared with other Boeing locations.
