Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837 will vote on a union-proposed four-year contract offer this Friday, September 19, as the strike at Boeing Defense in St. Louis continues into its seventh week.
The union developed the proposal after Boeing declined to improve on an earlier offer that was rejected by the membership. If ratified by members, the proposal will be submitted to Boeing as a pre-ratified agreement for acceptance. Should Boeing reject it, IAM members plan to remain on strike and are prepared to return to negotiations.
“Our members’ solidarity and determination are the reason we’ve been able to put forward this creative path to settlement,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “Boeing needs to recognize that this workforce is the backbone of its defense operations, and the community is standing with these families until they achieve a fair contract.”
The ongoing strike has affected production at Boeing’s St. Louis facilities, which build military aircraft such as the F-15EX, F/A-18, T-7A, MQ-25, and the future F-47 fighter jet. The disruption has resulted in significant financial impacts for Boeing due to lost output and delayed deliveries.
“IAM Union members have been critical to Boeing’s success — including the recent commitment to build the F-47 right here in St. Louis,” said IAM Resident General Vice President Jody Bennett. “They build world-class military aircraft, they’ve helped deliver Boeing billions in defense contracts, and they’ve earned a contract that reflects that value.”
The new union offer includes changes such as aligning 401(k) contributions with those received by other Boeing employees, increasing wages for top-of-scale workers more fairly, and providing a ratification bonus similar to what other unionized and non-unionized workers at Boeing receive.
Voting will take place from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at St. Louis Music Park in Maryland Heights, Missouri. Results are expected shortly after polls close.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers represents about 600,000 active and retired members across various industries throughout North America.
