Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837 have voted to reject Boeing’s revised five-year contract offer, opting to continue their strike at Boeing’s defense facilities in St. Louis. The decision comes after members found the proposed signing bonus and 401(k) benefits insufficient compared to those received by other Boeing workers.
About 3,200 IAM District 837 members have been on strike since August 4. These workers are responsible for assembling and maintaining advanced aircraft and weapons systems, such as the F-15 and F/A-18 fighter jets, as well as missile and defense technologies at Boeing locations in St. Louis, St. Charles, Missouri, and Mascoutah, Illinois. Their work is considered essential for U.S. national security 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.”
“Our members will always have the final say in their futures,” said IAM District 837 Directing Business Representative Tom Boelling. “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.”
“The message could not be clearer—our members expect Boeing to do better,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “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.”
“This strike is about fairness, respect, and real improvements,” said IAM Resident General Vice President Jody Bennett. “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 approximately 600,000 active and retired members across North America in industries including aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, among others.
