Boeing reported $23 billion in revenue for the third quarter of 2025 and a defense backlog of $76 billion, marking its first positive cash flow since 2023. The announcement comes as more than 3,200 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837 remain on strike in St. Louis, seeking what they describe as a fair contract for their work on key defense programs.
IAM District 837 workers are responsible for building and supporting production of aircraft such as the F-15EX, F/A-18, T-7A, MQ-25, and the upcoming F-47 fighter jet. These programs are considered essential to U.S. and allied national defense. Boeing’s inability to reach an agreement with union members has led to public acknowledgment by the U.S. Air Force that deliveries of the F-15EX have been delayed.
During Boeing’s earnings call on Wednesday, company executives addressed the ongoing strike and outlined contingency plans intended to lessen its impact. They also discussed efforts to build a new corporate culture.
“Boeing’s so-called contingency plan is failing because they can’t replace the skill, precision, and experience of IAM Union members in St. Louis who have spent their careers building the world’s most advanced military products,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “If Boeing is serious about culture change and rebuilding its brand, it starts with respecting the people who make its success possible — not trying to sideline them. Investors must also take into account Boeing’s continued failure to manage labor relations responsibly. The company’s refusal to engage in fair bargaining is not only hurting workers and national defense programs — it’s a risk to Boeing’s long-term stability, reputation, and credibility.”
Boeing has announced plans for significant future investments in its St. Louis operations after securing a contract for the F-47 program. The union sees this as evidence of its members’ skill and dedication.
“The workers whose craftsmanship and innovation made these investments possible deserve to share fully in the prosperity they’ve helped create,” Bryant added.
IAM Union members at other Boeing facilities across the country continue producing commercial aircraft that contribute to Boeing’s financial recovery.
“Boeing’s executives can talk about transformation all they want, but the real transformation begins when they treat all employees as one Boeing,” Bryant continued. “The company hasn’t delivered a single new F-15 during this 13-week strike, and production delays are now rippling into the 777X program. It’s time for Boeing to end this strike, get our members back to work, and live up to the values they claim to be rebuilding.”
The union states it continues negotiating in good faith with Boeing. On Monday, IAM presented a revised contract proposal including concessions on retirement benefits; however, according to IAM officials, Boeing rejected it without offering a counterproposal. As a result, IAM filed another Unfair Labor Practice charge against Boeing over alleged refusal to bargain in good faith.
The ongoing strike has drawn attention from Congress: Sixteen bipartisan members of the House Armed Services Committee have urged Boeing to negotiate earnestly due to concerns about delivery delays affecting national security.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers represents approximately 600,000 active and retired members across various industries throughout North America.
