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 results come as more than 3,200 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837 remain on strike in St. Louis, seeking what they describe as a fair contract for their work on key defense programs.
The striking workers are responsible for building and supporting aircraft 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 led to public acknowledgment by the U.S. Air Force that deliveries of the F-15EX have been delayed.
During Boeing’s earnings call on Wednesday, company executives discussed plans to address the impact of the strike while referencing efforts to build a new corporate 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 confirmed plans for further investment in its St. Louis operations after securing a contract for production of the F-47 fighter jet—a move which IAM says reflects union members’ skills.
“The workers whose craftsmanship and innovation made these investments possible deserve to share fully in the prosperity they’ve helped create,” Bryant added.
IAM members at other Boeing facilities continue producing commercial aircraft essential for Boeing’s recovery.
“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.”
Negotiations between IAM and Boeing continue without resolution. On Monday, IAM presented an updated contract proposal including concessions on retirement benefits; according to IAM officials, Boeing rejected this offer without counterproposal. As a result, IAM filed another Unfair Labor Practice charge alleging refusal to bargain in good faith.
The strike has prompted bipartisan concern among lawmakers: sixteen members of the House Armed Services Committee urged Boeing this week to negotiate constructively due to increasing delivery delays affecting national security.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers represents approximately 600,000 active and retired members across several industries throughout North America.
