More than 3,200 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837 have voted to reject Boeing’s latest contract offer after nearly three months on strike. The vote signals ongoing disagreement between the company and its workforce at Boeing’s St. Louis-area defense plants.
IAM Union International President Brian Bryant commented on the outcome: “Boeing claimed they listened to their employees – the result of today’s vote proves they have not. Boeing’s corporate executives continue to insult the very people who build the world’s most advanced military aircraft — the same planes and military systems that keep our servicemembers and nation safe. Our members aren’t going to be fooled by PR spin. It’s well past time for Boeing to stop cheaping out on the workers who make its success possible and bargain a fair deal that respects their skill and sacrifice.”
Union representatives said that in September, IAM District 837 had passed a pre-ratified proposal intended to end the strike. The proposal included requests for improved retirement security with employer 401(k) contributions matching those given to union members in other regions, stronger wage increases aligned with inflation, and a ratification bonus comparable to what non-union workers in South Carolina and union members in the Pacific Northwest received.
According to IAM officials, this offer would add about $50 million over four years—roughly half the cost of one F-15 fighter jet produced by these workers—but was rejected by Boeing.
“Instead of building on our pre-ratified offer, Boeing came back with another proposal that disrespects the people who make its success possible,” said IAM Union Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “Boeing can end this strike tomorrow — all it has to do is put a fair deal on the table.”
The dispute continues as Boeing holds major U.S. defense contracts, including for production of F-15 and F/A-18 aircraft as well as missile systems—work performed by IAM-represented employees considered essential for national security.
“Our members have shown incredible unity and strength throughout this strike,” stated IAM Union Resident General Vice President Jody Bennett. “They’re standing up not just for themselves, but for every worker who deserves fairness, respect, and the same standard of treatment. Boeing can’t keep playing favorites between regions and expect our members to accept less.”
IAM District 837 Directing Business Representative Tom Boelling added: “From day one, our members have stood shoulder to shoulder for fairness. They know their worth and they’ve made it clear what it will take to reach an agreement. Boeing’s refusal to meet those priorities is what keeps this strike going — not our members.”
The standoff has raised concerns about potential delays in key defense programs due to labor disruptions at facilities responsible for manufacturing critical military aircraft.
