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 proposal after nearly three months on strike. The union said the company has not met the workforce’s main priorities, which include better retirement benefits, wage increases in line with inflation, and a ratification bonus similar to what non-union workers have received elsewhere.
IAM International President Brian Bryant commented on the situation: “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.”
In September, union members put forward a pre-ratified offer intended to end the strike and return employees to work. The offer asked for employer 401(k) contributions matching those given in other regions, stronger wage increases for experienced workers, and a ratification bonus comparable to what Boeing has offered non-union employees in South Carolina as well as IAM members in the Pacific Northwest. According to IAM, this proposal would cost about $50 million over four years—about half of what it costs to produce one F-15 fighter jet—but was still 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 ongoing labor dispute follows Boeing winning a multi-billion dollar F-47 defense contract from the U.S. government—a program built by IAM-represented workers. Despite these new contracts funded by taxpayers, union leaders argue that Boeing is not investing enough in its workforce.
“Our members have shown incredible unity and strength throughout this strike,” said 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.”
Workers represented by District 837 are responsible for producing key military assets such as F-15s, F/A-18s, as well as missile and defense systems considered vital for national security.
“From day one, our members have stood shoulder to shoulder for fairness,” said IAM Union District 837 Directing Business Representative Tom Boelling. “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.”
