Missouri Senator Josh Hawley questioned Boeing’s chief labor counsel, Scott Mayer, during a recent Capitol Hill hearing about the ongoing strike involving 3,200 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837 in St. Louis. The strike has entered its ninth week as workers seek what they describe as a fair contract.
Hawley criticized the pay disparity between Boeing executives and striking 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.”
The senator has previously expressed support for IAM District 837 members. In early September, he told Missourinet that Boeing should resolve the dispute: “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 several contract proposals from Boeing.
Negotiations between IAM District 837 and Boeing continue under federal mediation.
IAM Union International President Brian Bryant commented on the situation: “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 IAM Union represents about 600,000 active and retired members across North America in sectors including aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, railroads, transit systems, healthcare services, automotive manufacturing, among others.
