Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837 have voted to reject Boeing’s latest five-year contract proposal, opting to continue their strike at the company’s defense facilities in St. Louis.
The modified offer from Boeing did not meet union demands for a higher signing bonus or improved 401(k) benefits. The vote reflects the ongoing determination of about 3,200 IAM members to continue striking until their concerns are addressed.
IAM District 837 members began their strike on August 4. They work at Boeing sites in St. Louis, St. Charles, Missouri, and Mascoutah, Illinois, where they assemble and maintain military aircraft such as the F-15 and F/A-18 as well as advanced missile and defense systems. Their work is considered essential to 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 International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers represents roughly 600,000 active and retired members across industries including aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, railroads, transit, healthcare, automotive sectors throughout North America.
