St. Louis, August 5: More than 3,200 unionized workers at Boeing’s defense facilities in the St. Louis area and Illinois went on strike on Monday after rejecting a second four-year contract offer, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) confirmed.
The striking workers, represented by IAM District 837, are responsible for assembling some of Boeing’s key defense products, including the F-15 and F/A-18 fighter jets, the T-7 trainer aircraft, and the MQ-25 aerial refueling drone for the U.S. Navy.
Boeing Defense said it had prepared for the work stoppage and will implement a contingency plan involving non-union personnel to maintain operations. “We’re disappointed our employees in St. Louis rejected an offer that featured 40% average wage growth,” said Dan Gillian, vice-president and general manager of Boeing’s St. Louis operations.
The rejected offer included a 20% general wage increase, a $5,000 ratification bonus, increased periodic raises, and expanded vacation and sick leave. The terms were largely similar to an earlier proposal that had also been overwhelmingly turned down.
“Members of District 837 deserve a contract that reflects their skill, dedication, and the critical role they play in our nation’s defence,” union head Tom Boelling said in a statement.
Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg, speaking to analysts last week about the company’s second-quarter earnings, sought to downplay the potential disruption, referencing a seven-week strike last year by IAM District 751 workers in the Northwest, which the company ultimately managed without significant delays.
Boeing’s defense division is also expanding its footprint in the St. Louis region to accommodate production of the newly contracted F-47A fighter jet for the U.S. Air Force, a program that may face indirect impacts depending on the strike’s duration.
IAM District 751’s 2024 strike ended with a similar four-year contract, which included a 38% wage increase. The current work stoppage highlights persistent tensions over pay and working conditions at one of the U.S. military’s top defense contractors.
