U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders has urged Boeing to return to negotiations with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837, whose 3,200 members have been on strike in St. Louis for nine weeks.
In a letter dated October 1 to Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg, Sanders emphasized that the union’s proposal—approved by 90% of its members—could resolve the ongoing labor dispute. “What the Machinists in St. Louis are proposing is not radical. It is less generous than the contract you ratified last year with 32,000 Machinists in Washington state,” Sanders wrote. “If Boeing can afford to spend $68 billion on stock buybacks and provide golden parachutes worth over $100 million to former executives, it can afford to provide decent retirement benefits and fair wages to its workers.”
Sanders also criticized Boeing’s decision to terminate health insurance for striking employees and pointed out the wage gap between company executives and line workers earning as little as $18 per hour.
This intervention follows a virtual town hall Sanders held with IAM District 837 members on September 30, where discussions focused on pay, workplace respect, and long-term security for local families.
Boeing’s Defense, Space & Security division reported a second-quarter revenue increase of 10% compared to last year, reaching $6.6 billion for fiscal year 2025. IAM District 837 members have rejected multiple offers from Boeing, citing concerns that proposals do not meet basic standards of fairness.
During Scott Mayer’s confirmation hearing for the National Labor Relations Board, Sanders questioned Mayer—Boeing’s chief labor counsel—about the company’s handling of labor issues.
IAM International President Brian Bryant commented on the broader implications of the dispute: “This strike is about more than wages,” Bryant said. “It’s about respect, fairness, and the future of good aerospace jobs, not only in St. Louis but across North America. Boeing must stop playing games with our members’ lives and present them with an offer that reflects their skillset, dedication, and sacrifices. Our members deserve respect and dignity for their contributions to building this company, as well as for their service in protecting our troops and nation.”
Negotiations between IAM District 837 and Boeing are ongoing with federal mediation support. The union states its readiness to bargain fairly since the start of the strike; they maintain that it is now up to Boeing to present an acceptable offer.
The strike began August 4 and has gained backing from elected officials and community groups who recognize IAM District 837’s role in assembling military aircraft and defense systems.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers represents around 600,000 active and retired members across North America working in sectors including aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, railroads, transit systems, healthcare services, automotive manufacturing, among others.
