Boeing reported $23 billion in revenue for the third quarter of 2025 and a defense backlog totaling $76 billion, marking its first period of positive cash flow since 2023. However, more than 3,200 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837 remain on strike in St. Louis as they continue to seek what they describe as a fair contract for their work on key defense programs.
IAM District 837 members are responsible for building and supporting production of the F-15EX, F/A-18, T-7A, MQ-25, and the future F-47 fighter jet. These programs are considered critical for U.S. national defense and that of allied countries. The ongoing strike has led to delays in deliveries, with the U.S. Air Force publicly acknowledging setbacks specifically related to the F-15EX program.
During Boeing’s quarterly earnings call, company executives addressed the impact of the strike and discussed contingency plans to mitigate disruptions. They also mentioned efforts to build a new internal culture at Boeing.
“Boeing’s so-called contingency plan is failing because they can’t replace the skill, precision, and experience of IAM Union members in St. Louis who have spent their careers building the world’s most advanced military products,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “If Boeing is serious about culture change and rebuilding its brand, it starts with respecting the people who make its success possible — not trying to sideline them. Investors must also take into account Boeing’s continued failure to manage labor relations responsibly. The company’s refusal to engage in fair bargaining is not only hurting workers and national defense programs — it’s a risk to Boeing’s long-term stability, reputation, and credibility.”
Boeing acknowledged plans for further investment in its St. Louis operations after securing a contract for the F-47 fighter jet program—a development attributed by union leaders to workers’ skills.
“The workers whose craftsmanship and innovation made these investments possible deserve to share fully in the prosperity they’ve helped create,” Bryant added.
Across other facilities nationwide, IAM members continue work on commercial aircraft that support Boeing’s financial recovery.
“Boeing’s executives can talk about transformation all they want, but the real transformation begins when they treat all employees as one Boeing,” Bryant continued. “The company hasn’t delivered a single new F-15 during this 13-week strike, and production delays are now rippling into the 777X program. It’s time for Boeing to end this strike, get our members back to work, and live up to the values they claim to be rebuilding.”
The union states it continues negotiating in good faith; earlier this week it submitted an updated proposal with concessions regarding retirement benefits in an effort toward resolution. According to IAM leadership, Boeing rejected this offer without counterproposal—a move that led IAM Union officials to file another Unfair Labor Practice charge against Boeing over bargaining practices.
Concern over delayed production has reached Congress: Sixteen bipartisan House Armed Services Committee members recently urged Boeing management to return to negotiations out of concern for both delivery schedules and broader national security issues.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers represents approximately 600,000 active and retired members across various industries throughout North America.
