Boeing reported $23 billion in revenue for the third quarter of 2025 and a defense backlog valued at $76 billion, with positive cash flow for the first time 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 union members are seeking what they describe as a fair contract for their work on key defense programs.
IAM District 837 workers contribute to the production and support of aircraft such as the F-15EX, F/A-18, T-7A, MQ-25, and the upcoming F-47 fighter jet. These projects are described by the union as essential to U.S. and allied national defense efforts. The ongoing labor dispute has already led to public acknowledgment from the U.S. Air Force regarding delays in F-15EX deliveries.
During Boeing’s recent earnings call, company executives addressed the impact of the strike and outlined contingency plans aimed at minimizing disruptions. They also discussed efforts to develop 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 has announced future investments in its St. Louis operations after securing a contract for production of the F-47 fighter jet, which Bryant described as evidence of 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.
The union maintains that Boeing’s improved financial position reflects contributions from its workforce nationwide, including those involved in commercial aviation manufacturing.
“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 Union representatives and Boeing are ongoing. Earlier this week, IAM submitted a revised contract proposal featuring concessions on retirement benefits; however, according to union officials, Boeing rejected it without counteroffer. This led IAM Union to file an additional Unfair Labor Practice charge against Boeing alleging failure to bargain in good faith.
Members of Congress have expressed concern over extended delivery delays tied to the work stoppage; on Wednesday sixteen bipartisan House Armed Services Committee members urged both parties toward productive negotiations due to growing national security implications.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers represents around 600,000 active and retired members across various industries throughout North America.
