Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837 have voted to reject Boeing’s latest five-year contract proposal, opting to continue their strike at the company’s defense facilities in St. Louis.
The union, which represents about 3,200 workers at Boeing locations in St. Louis, St. Charles, Missouri, and Mascoutah, Illinois, cited dissatisfaction with the proposed signing bonus and a lack of increases to 401(k) benefits as reasons for turning down the offer. The workers have been on strike since August 4.
IAM members at these facilities are responsible for assembling and maintaining advanced aircraft such as the F-15 and F/A-18 fighter jets, as well as missile and defense technologies used by U.S. and allied forces.
“Our members in St. Louis have once again shown that they will not settle for Boeing’s half-measures,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “Boeing must start listening to its employees and come back to the table with a meaningful offer that respects the sacrifices and skill of these workers.”
“Our members will always have the final say in their futures,” said IAM District 837 Directing Business Representative Tom Boelling. “They are standing shoulder to shoulder and sending an unmistakable message: this company cannot thrive while failing to offer a contract that our members won’t accept.”
“The message could not be clearer—our members expect Boeing to do better,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “They will not be brushed aside with small adjustments. Boeing needs to stop dragging its feet and negotiate an agreement that honors the contributions of its workforce.”
“This strike is about fairness, respect, and real improvements,” said IAM Resident General Vice President Jody Bennett. “Boeing has the resources to invest in its people, yet it continues to shortchange them. Our members will not back down until the company gets serious about doing right by the workers who build America’s defense.”
The IAM is one of North America’s largest industrial trade unions, representing around 600,000 active and retired members across various industries in both the United States and Canada.
