Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837 have voted to reject Boeing’s latest five-year contract proposal, choosing to continue their strike at Boeing’s defense facilities in St. Louis. The decision follows a vote by approximately 3,200 union members who have been on strike since August 4.
The union stated that Boeing’s revised offer did not meet expectations regarding signing bonuses or increases in 401(k) benefits, especially when compared to what other Boeing workers have received. IAM District 837 members work at Boeing locations in St. Louis, St. Charles, Missouri, and Mascoutah, Illinois, where they assemble and maintain advanced aircraft such as the F-15 and F/A-18, as well as missile and defense systems used by U.S. and allied forces.
“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 IAM Union represents about 600,000 active and retired members across North America in industries including aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, among others.
