IAM District 837 members at Boeing Defense in St. Louis are set to vote on a union-proposed four-year contract this Friday, September 19, as the strike involving approximately 3,200 workers continues into its seventh week. The move comes after Boeing declined to improve on an offer previously rejected by union members.
The proposal was developed by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837 leadership and will be presented for membership ratification. If approved by union members, the agreement will then be submitted to Boeing for acceptance. Should Boeing reject the pre-ratified offer, the strike will continue and union leaders say they are prepared to return to negotiations.
“Our members’ solidarity and determination are the reason we’ve been able to put forward this creative path to settlement,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “Boeing needs to recognize that this workforce is the backbone of its defense operations, and the community is standing with these families until they achieve a fair contract.”
The ongoing strike has impacted production of military aircraft at Boeing’s St. Louis facilities, which include work on models such as the F-15EX, F/A-18, T-7A, MQ-25, and future F-47 fighter jet. Industry observers note that work stoppages like this can disrupt defense contracts and delay deliveries.
Despite reporting strong quarterly earnings and holding a growing backlog of military aircraft orders, Boeing has not responded with a revised offer since the initial rejection by workers. The company is estimated to be losing millions of dollars daily due to lost output from delayed production lines.
“IAM Union members have been critical to Boeing’s success — including the recent commitment to build the F-47 right here in St. Louis,” said IAM Resident General Vice President Jody Bennett. “They build world-class military aircraft, they’ve helped deliver Boeing billions in defense contracts, and they’ve earned a contract that reflects that value.”
According to union officials, key points in their latest proposal include aligning 401(k) contributions with those received by other Boeing employees, more equitable wage increases for top-of-scale workers, and a ratification bonus similar to those given elsewhere within Boeing’s workforce.
Voting will take place from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m. at St. Louis Music Park in Maryland Heights, Missouri. Results are expected shortly after polls close.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers represents about 600,000 active and retired members across North America in sectors such as aerospace, defense manufacturing, transportation industries including airlines and railroads, shipbuilding, healthcare services, automotive trades and more throughout both the United States and Canada.
