Missouri Senator Josh Hawley questioned Boeing’s chief labor counsel, Scott Mayer, during a Capitol Hill hearing regarding the ongoing strike involving 3,200 members of IAM District 837 in St. Louis. The strike has now reached its ninth week.
Senator Hawley highlighted concerns about the company’s compensation practices and the impact on workers. “With 3,000 plus residents of my state on strike, unable to work, unable to get healthcare while your CEO is getting paid 30-some million dollars,” said Hawley. “Fairness may be elusive, but that doesn’t look like fairness to me.”
This is not the first time Hawley has publicly supported the striking IAM members. In early September, he commented on Boeing’s responsibilities towards its workforce. “Management here needs to suck it up and get this thing over with,” said Hawley. “That company is so important to our state, the jobs that it provides, the great things that it produces.”
Boeing’s Defense, Space & Security division reported $6.6 billion in revenue for the second quarter of fiscal year 2025, marking a 10% increase from the previous year. Despite these financial results, IAM District 837 members have rejected Boeing’s contract proposals multiple times due to concerns about fairness and working conditions.
Negotiations between IAM District 837 and Boeing continue under federal mediation.
IAM Union International President Brian Bryant criticized Boeing’s negotiation approach: “We’re tired of Boeing hiding behind posturing and PR spin. Our members build the jets and defense systems that keep this nation safe, and they deserve a deal that reflects their sacrifice, expertise and value. Boeing’s repeated lowball proposals are a slap in the face to the men and women who power their bottom line. The time for grandstanding is over. Negotiate in good faith now, Boeing.”
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers represents about 600,000 active and retired members in North America across several industries including aerospace and defense.
