More than 3,200 members of IAM District 837 remain on strike at Boeing Defense in the St. Louis region, with labor leaders and allies rallying in support as negotiations between the union and the company continue without resolution. The strike began on August 4 after contract talks stalled, and union representatives say a membership-ratified four-year contract proposal has been submitted to Boeing.
IAM International President Brian Bryant addressed the crowd at a recent rally, stating, “I’m here to tell Boeing: you are not just fighting 3,200 workers. You are fighting 600,000 IAM Union members across North America. You are fighting millions more across the labor movement. And you are fighting a community that will never be broken!”
The striking workers are responsible for building and maintaining key defense products including the F-15 and F/A-18 aircraft, as well as advanced missile systems used by the U.S. military. Union leaders argue that Boeing’s refusal to negotiate a new agreement impacts not only their livelihoods but also national security.
AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler spoke at the event, saying, “We’re seeing this everywhere, and it’s called corporate greed. These are attacks on our dignity. If Boeing can afford to give $100 million in golden parachutes to failed CEOs, then they can afford to pay your workers a fair share of the wealth we create.”
IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli emphasized continued resistance: “Every picket line, picket sign, and every hour we hold this line is a message to everyone in this country that – we will not be silenced, we will not be divided, and we will not back down! The Midwest Territory is with you. The IAM International is with you. And the entire labor movement is with you!”
Jody Bennett, IAM Resident General Vice President added: “You build the F-15. You build the F/A-18. You’re going to build the F-47. You build the systems that defend this nation. That is world-class work. And world-class work deserves world-class respect!”
The rally was hosted by Tom Boelling of IAM District 837 and featured remarks from other union officials such as Jon Holden of IAM District 751—who led thousands through a previous Boeing strike—as well as Jake Hummel from Missouri AFL-CIO and Patrick Kellett from St. Louis Labor Council.
John Dimas from SPEEA also pledged support from engineers and technical staff at Boeing.
Support for District 837 strikers continues to come from unions nationwide along with local community groups and elected officials.
