U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders has urged Boeing to return to negotiations with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837, whose 3,200 members have been on strike in St. Louis for nine weeks.
In a letter dated October 1 to Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg, Sanders emphasized that the union’s proposal—approved by 90% of its members—could end the strike immediately. Sanders wrote, “What the Machinists in St. Louis are proposing is not radical. It is less generous than the contract you ratified last year with 32,000 Machinists in Washington state. If Boeing can afford to spend $68 billion on stock buybacks and provide golden parachutes worth over $100 million to former executives, it can afford to provide decent retirement benefits and fair wages to its workers.”
Sanders also criticized Boeing for ending health insurance coverage for striking employees and noted disparities between executive compensation and hourly wages for line workers, some of whom earn as little as $18 per hour.
The letter follows a virtual town hall held by Sanders with IAM District 837 members on September 30. During this event, participants discussed issues including fair pay, respect at work, and long-term security for families in St. Louis.
Boeing’s Defense, Space & Security division reported $6.6 billion in revenue during the second quarter of fiscal year 2025—a 10% increase compared to the previous year. IAM members have rejected several company offers, citing failure to meet basic standards of fairness.
During a recent confirmation hearing for Scott Mayer—Boeing’s chief labor counsel nominated for the National Labor Relations Board—Sanders questioned Mayer about Boeing’s labor practices.
IAM International President Brian Bryant stated: “This strike is about more than wages. It’s about respect, fairness, and the future of good aerospace jobs, not only in St. Louis, but across North America. Boeing must stop playing games with our members’ lives and present them with an offer that reflects their skillset, dedication, and sacrifices. Our members deserve respect and dignity for their contributions to building this company, as well as for their service in protecting our troops and nation.”
Negotiations between IAM District 837 and Boeing are ongoing with assistance from a federal mediator. The union maintains it has been ready to bargain fairly since the beginning of the strike.
Support for striking workers has grown among elected officials, community groups, and other labor leaders who recognize IAM District 837’s role in assembling military aircraft and defense systems.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers represents around 600,000 active and retired members across North America in industries such as aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, rail transit, healthcare, automotive manufacturing, among others.
