Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837 are set to vote Friday, September 19, on a union-proposed four-year contract aimed at ending their ongoing strike against Boeing Defense in St. Louis. The vote comes after Boeing declined to improve its previous offer, which had been rejected by the membership.
The union’s proposal, if ratified by members, will be submitted to Boeing as a pre-ratified agreement pending the company’s acceptance. Should Boeing reject the offer, workers will remain on strike and negotiations could resume. The work stoppage has lasted more than six weeks and involves approximately 3,200 IAM members.
“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 strike has affected production lines for key military aircraft models such as the F-15EX, F/A-18, T-7A, MQ-25, and the upcoming F-47 fighter jet. Industry analysts note that work stoppages like this can cost companies millions each day 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 union’s proposed contract would align 401(k) contributions with those offered to other Boeing employees, provide higher wage increases for top-of-scale workers, and include a ratification bonus similar to those received by other groups at Boeing.
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 around 600,000 active and retired members across multiple industries throughout North America.
