The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union) has filed an Unfair Labor Practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board against Boeing. The union accuses the company of refusing to bargain in good faith with more than 3,200 members of IAM District 837, who have been on strike since August 4 at Boeing facilities in the St. Louis area.
According to the IAM Union, Boeing has rejected several union proposals since mid-September without making any counter offers. The union claims this violates Boeing’s legal duty under the National Labor Relations Act. Despite IAM members passing a pre-ratified offer on September 19 aimed at ending the strike, Boeing reportedly stated, “there is no more coming” and “no matter how long the strike lasts, the economics won’t change.” The union argues that these statements demonstrate a refusal to negotiate.
The ongoing strike is affecting key deliveries to the U.S. Air Force. Boeing’s efforts to hire replacement workers have not met requirements for building advanced military jets and weapons systems. The dispute follows Boeing’s recent acquisition of the F-47 contract, a significant defense program that relies on IAM members’ work.
The IAM Union estimates that one F-15 fighter jet costs about $100 million, while the cost of their proposal would add approximately $50 million over four years—a figure they consider a modest investment to resume production.
“These men and women have decades of skill, experience, and dedication,” said IAM Union Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “Boeing’s CEO is paid tens of millions of dollars, while the workers who build our military jets are being told to settle for less than they deserve. That’s unacceptable — and people on both sides of the aisle in Congress are taking notice. Lawmakers from both parties have called on Boeing to negotiate in good faith, because this strike and the company’s refusal to bargain are hurting our national defense.”
“IAM Union members put forward a fair, responsible proposal that would have ended this strike,” said IAM Union Resident General Vice President Jody Bennett. “Boeing’s refusal to even respond with an improved offer is an insult to every worker who builds this nation’s defense aircraft — and to the taxpayers footing the bill for the company’s delays. And let’s be clear: it’s our IAM Union members, not corporate executives or union officials, who will ultimately decide their future. That’s what democracy in our union looks like.”
“This strike is about respect and fairness,” said IAM District 837 Directing Business Representative Tom Boelling. “Our members are standing up for their families, their future, and for fair treatment at the bargaining table. Boeing’s delays are hurting its own production, putting critical defense contracts at risk, and showing that you can’t replace skilled union labor with untrained temps. The company needs to come back to the table now.”
The IAM Union represents about 600,000 active and retired members across various industries in North America, including aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and others.
