More than 3,200 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837 remain on strike at Boeing Defense in the St. Louis area, with a major rally held to show support from across the labor movement. The strike began on August 4 after contract negotiations between IAM and Boeing reached an impasse.
The union has put forward a four-year contract proposal ratified by its membership, stating that it is now up to Boeing to resolve the dispute. The striking workers are responsible for building and maintaining military aircraft such as the F-15, F/A-18, and other advanced defense systems considered vital for U.S. national security.
During the rally, IAM International President Brian Bryant addressed both Boeing and the broader public: “I’m here to tell Boeing: you are not just fighting 3,200 workers. You are fighting 600,000 IAM Union members across North America,” said Bryant. “You are fighting millions more across the labor movement. And you are fighting a community that will never be broken!”
AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler also spoke at the event, criticizing what she described as excessive executive compensation at Boeing compared to worker pay: “We’re seeing this everywhere, and it’s called corporate greed. These are attacks on our dignity,” said Shuler. “If Boeing can afford to give $100 million in golden parachutes to failed CEOs, then they can afford to pay your workers a fair share of the wealth we create.”
IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli reinforced solidarity among unions: “Every picket line, picket sign, and every hour we hold this line is a message to everyone in this country that – we will not be silenced, we will not be divided, and we will not back down!” Cicinelli added that support comes from both regional leadership and national union networks.
Jody Bennett, Resident General Vice President of IAM, highlighted the significance of workers’ contributions: “You build the F-15. You build the F/A-18. You’re going to build the F-47. You build the systems that defend this nation,” said Bennett. “That is world-class work. And world-class work deserves world-class respect!”
The rally was organized by Tom Boelling of IAM District 837 and drew support from leaders such as Jon Holden (President of IAM District 751), Jake Hummel (President of Missouri AFL-CIO), Patrick Kellett (President of St. Louis Labor Council), and John Dimas (President of SPEEA). Each pledged ongoing solidarity with striking workers.
Community allies and elected officials have also expressed backing for District 837 members as they continue their efforts for improved wages and retirement benefits comparable with those offered at other Boeing locations nationwide.
