Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837 in St. Louis have rejected Boeing’s latest contract proposal, according to a message released by the union on October 22, 2025.
The union’s bargaining committee stated that after 79 days on strike without pay or healthcare, they met with Boeing through federal mediators but were dissatisfied with the company’s new five-year offer. The statement read:
“Your IAM Union Bargaining Committee met with Boeing through federal mediators over the last two days. After 79 days on strike — without pay or healthcare thanks to Boeing — our members are still standing strong and united for the fair contract we deserve.
“After all this time, the company came back with a five-year offer that was nothing short of disrespectful to our members. The company made an offer that had no meaningful improvements in the areas our members have told us and the company they care about – retirement security, ratification bonus and top-of-scale wage growth. The company has insisted on a fifth year, despite adding no additional value to the fifth year.
“In addition, the company’s “return to work” agreement included language allowing managers and non-union workers to perform our members’ work for the first 30 days back on the job. The company also wants to terminate any member who doesn’t immediately return to work, despite the fact that many of our members have taken other jobs to support their families during the strike. That is absolutely unacceptable.
“We’ve said it many times, and we’ll say it again: we will not vote on an insulting offer.
“Our members already passed a sensible pre-ratified offer in September that gives Boeing the assurance of our members’ approval and a clear path to end this strike. Instead, Boeing continues to ignore that proposal and the voices of its own employees.
“This isn’t ‘Midwest Manufacturing,’ our members build the most advanced military aircraft in the world – the aircraft and military systems that keep our servicemembers and allies safe. These are not replaceable jobs. Our members deserve to be treated with the same respect and value that Boeing gives to every part of the so-called “One Boeing” family the company always talks about.
“As we heard today on Capitol Hill, Boeing’s greed and disdain for the very employees who make its success possible is on full display. It’s long past time for Boeing to show some respect for its workforce and come to the table with a reasonable offer that recognizes your skill, dedication and experience, as well as the value you bring to this company and our nation.
“Stay strong and stay united on the picket line. Together, we will continue to fight for the fair contract you deserve.”
Union leaders highlighted their dissatisfaction with what they describe as a lack of progress in key negotiation areas such as retirement security, wage growth at top scale, and ratification bonuses. They also expressed concern about proposed changes in return-to-work policies that would allow non-union staff or managers to perform union jobs temporarily, as well as potential termination for those unable to return immediately due to having found other employment during the strike period.
IAM District 837 claims its membership approved an alternative proposal in September aimed at resolving the dispute but says Boeing has not responded favorably to that plan. The union represents workers responsible for building military aircraft and systems at Boeing’s St. Louis facilities.
The dispute continues as union members remain on strike, calling for what they consider fair treatment from their employer.
