More than 3,200 Boeing defense workers are set to begin striking Monday, August 4, after overwhelmingly rejecting a contract proposal that included a 20 percent wage increase over four years.
Newsweek reached out to International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837 via email on Sunday for comment.
Why It Matters
This latest action represents the first strike in nearly three decades at Boeing’s St. Louis-area defense factories, with the union’s last work stoppage occurring in 1996 and lasting 99 days, according to Bloomberg.
The strike also adds to Boeing’s mounting challenges amid ongoing safety concerns and production issues that have severely damaged the company’s reputation. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated in March that Boeing had lost the trust of the American people following a mid-air panel blowout on an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9, two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019 that killed 346 people, and a recent Boeing 787 Dreamliner crash in India that killed 260 people.
The work stoppage will directly impact production of the F-47 fighter jet, part of the Next Generation Air Dominance program designed to replace the F-22 Raptor. Boeing won this critical contract earlier this year, with the company expanding its St. Louis manufacturing facilities to accommodate the sixth-generation fighter program.
What To Know
Members of the IAM District 837 voted down Boeing’s offer on Sunday, August 3, following the expiration of their current contract at 11:59 p.m. CT, according to a press release from the union. This latest vote follows members’ rejection of Boeing’s earlier proposal on Sunday, July 27.
The impending walkout will affect three facilities in St. Louis, St. Charles, Missouri, and Mascoutah, Illinois, where workers assemble critical military aircraft, including F-15 fighters, F/A-18 Super Hornets, and components for the advanced F-47 fighter jet program. Despite union leaders initially recommending approval of what they called a “landmark” agreement, District 837 members rejected Boeing’s offer.
The proposal included the 20 percent wage increase, improved medical benefits, enhanced pension provisions, and better overtime benefits. Boeing characterized this as “the richest contract offer we’ve ever presented to IAM 837 which addressed all their stated priorities.”
The Boeing Air Dominance division produces several military aircraft, including the U.S. Navy’s Super Hornet and the Air Force’s Red Hawk training aircraft. A strike late last year by machinists’ union members put a heavy toll on the company, compounding existing production issues and stalling manufacturing of key aircraft including the 737 MAX, 767, and 777 models.
The union implemented a seven-day “cooling off” period following the contract’s expiration, delaying strike action until August 4. This procedural step is standard in labor negotiations to provide additional time for potential last-minute agreements.
What People Are Saying
Boeing Air Dominance Vice President Dan Gillian said in a statement: “We’re disappointed that Boeing employees voted down the richest contract offer we’ve ever presented to IAM 837 which addressed all their stated priorities. We’ve activated our contingency plan and are focused on preparing for a strike. No talks are scheduled with the union.”
IAM District 837 Directing Business Representative Tom Boelling said in a statement: “IAM District 837 members have spoken loud and clear, they deserve a contract that reflects their skill, dedication, and the critical role they play in our nation’s defense.”
IAM International President Brian Bryant said in a statement: “Our union is built on democracy, and our members have every right to demand a contract worthy of their contributions. We will be there on the picket lines, ensuring Boeing hears the collective power of working people.”
IAM Resident General Vice President Jody Bennett said in a statement: “Solidarity is our strength. This vote shows that when workers stand together, they can push back against corporate greed and fight for a better future for themselves and their families. We are proud to back our members every step of the way.”
IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli said in a statement: “IAM District 837 members build the aircraft and defense systems that keep our country safe. They deserve nothing less than a contract that keeps their families secure and recognizes their unmatched expertise.”
What Happens Next?
Boeing has activated contingency plans and stated no additional talks are scheduled with the union.
The company faces pressure to resolve the dispute quickly to avoid delays in critical defense programs, particularly the F-47 production timeline. The duration of the strike will likely depend on whether Boeing offers additional concessions beyond the substantial wage and benefit improvements already proposed.
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