Boeing reported $23 billion in revenue for the third quarter and a $76 billion defense backlog, marking its first positive cash flow since 2023. These financial results come as more than 3,200 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837 continue their strike in St. Louis. The workers are seeking a contract they consider fair for their role in building advanced defense aircraft and weapons systems.
IAM District 837 members are responsible for producing key defense programs such as the F-15EX, F/A-18, T-7A, MQ-25, and the upcoming F-47 fighter jet. The ongoing labor dispute has already caused delays in F-15EX deliveries, which the U.S. Air Force has acknowledged publicly.
During Boeing’s recent earnings call, company executives addressed the strike and outlined contingency plans to reduce its impact. They also discussed efforts to create a new internal 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 announced future investments in its St. Louis operations after securing the contract for the F-47 fighter jet, attributing this achievement to the skill and dedication of IAM Union members.
“The workers whose craftsmanship and innovation made these investments possible deserve to share fully in the prosperity they’ve helped create,” Bryant added.
IAM Union members working in Boeing’s commercial aviation facilities across the country continue to contribute to the company’s recovery and ongoing success.
“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.”
The union states it is continuing to negotiate in good faith. On Monday, IAM presented Boeing with a revised contract proposal that included a significant concession regarding 401(k) improvements in an attempt to reach an agreement. Boeing rejected the offer without a counterproposal, leading IAM to file a second Unfair Labor Practice charge against the company for allegedly refusing to bargain in good faith.
The strike has attracted attention from Congress. Sixteen bipartisan members of the House Armed Services Committee have urged Boeing to negotiate in good faith, warning that the ongoing dispute is worsening delivery delays and raising national security concerns.
IAM represents around 600,000 active and retired members across various industries in the United States and Canada.
