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 continue their strike in St. Louis. These workers are seeking what they describe as a fair contract after contributing to key U.S. defense programs.
IAM District 837 members are involved in building and supporting aircraft such as the F-15EX, F/A-18, T-7A, MQ-25, and the upcoming F-47 fighter jet. These programs are considered vital for U.S. and allied national defense. Due to the ongoing labor dispute, the U.S. Air Force has publicly stated that deliveries of the F-15EX have been delayed.
During Boeing’s earnings call on Wednesday, company executives addressed the strike and discussed plans to minimize its impact while emphasizing efforts to create 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 noted future investments in its St. Louis operations following its successful bid for the F-47 contract—an outcome attributed by union leaders to the expertise of IAM members.
“The workers whose craftsmanship and innovation made these investments possible deserve to share fully in the prosperity they’ve helped create,” Bryant added.
The union also highlighted that members at other Boeing facilities continue to contribute significantly to commercial aviation production.
“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.”
Negotiations between IAM and Boeing remain unresolved. On Monday, IAM submitted a revised contract proposal with concessions regarding 401(k) improvements in an effort to reach an agreement; however, Boeing rejected it without offering a counterproposal. This led IAM to file another Unfair Labor Practice charge against Boeing for allegedly refusing to bargain in good faith.
The extended strike has attracted attention from lawmakers. Sixteen bipartisan members of the House Armed Services Committee recently called on Boeing to negotiate earnestly due to concerns over worsening delivery delays and national security risks.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers represents around 600,000 active and retired members across various industries in North America.
