IAM International President Brian Bryant, along with Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli and Resident General Vice President Jody Bennett, visited the picket line in the St. Louis area to support striking District 837 members at Boeing Defense. The visit took place as the strike entered its third week, with approximately 3,200 IAM members participating.
The union leaders spent time talking with workers on the line, offering encouragement and reinforcing their commitment to supporting the strike effort. The presence of top officials was intended to demonstrate union solidarity during ongoing contract negotiations.
“You are sending a powerful message that workers deserve better,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “Our union will use every resource we have to back you until we win the contract you’ve earned.”
Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli also addressed those gathered: “I couldn’t be more proud of the strength and solidarity of our IAM District 837 members here in St. Louis. Boeing’s profits don’t happen without you. You deserve a contract that reflects the value of your work, your skills, and your sacrifices.”
Resident General Vice President Jody Bennett emphasized that respect is at stake in this labor action: “This strike isn’t just about numbers on a page—it’s about respect. Our members are taking a stand for fairness, and our union will not back down until we win the contract they deserve.”
The strike centers on demands for fair treatment and improved contract terms for workers who produce military products for Boeing Defense. As reported by local news outlets such as KSDK TV News St. Louis (https://www.ksdk.com/article/news/local/union-federal-leaders-join-boeing-strike/63-b0a6bce7-5d11-44d9-ae1c-cf9cf61e72ea) and St. Louis Post-Dispatch (https://www.stltoday.com/business/local/boeing-strike-hits-third-week-still-no-deal-with-st-louis-workers/article_8ad07d5a-4b21-11ee-b34c-abbaec8eeb32.html), no agreement has been reached between Boeing and its employees after several weeks of striking.
Union leaders have pledged continued support for their members as negotiations continue.
